Discover the enchanting rendition of the Ukrainian folk song ‘Shchedryk’ by Ben Clapton, now available for SATB Choir and orchestra at Joyful Noise Music Studio. With a beautifully crafted orchestral introduction, this arrangement brings a fresh perspective to this beloved classic.
Originally performed by the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Perth, alongside the Echoes of Ukraine choir, this adaptation retains the authenticity of the original Cyrillic lyrics while offering a convenient transliteration for ease of singing. Dive into the heartfelt harmonies and cultural resonance of ‘Shchedryk,’ a timeless piece that beautifully merges tradition with innovation.
Ideal for choral groups seeking a unique addition to their repertoire or orchestras aiming to evoke emotions through music, this arrangement invites performers to explore the beauty and depth of Ukrainian folk melodies. Experience the charm of ‘Shchedryk’ through Ben Clapton’s skillful arrangement—a musical journey that honours tradition while embracing contemporary expression.”
Shchedryk will be performed on February 25, 2024 at the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra’s 2024 Young Artists Gala at Government House Ballroom, Perth, with MetSO and the Echoes of Ukraine choir. For more information and tickets, visit the MetSO website.
Looking for a beautiful and soulful string quartet arrangement of the hymn “The Lord’s My Shepherd“? Look no further than Ben Clapton’s rendition of this timeless classic, set to the hymn tune Crimond.
At Joyful Noise Music Studio, we’re proud to offer this stunning arrangement, which features all instruments sharing the melody, as well as a modulation to the minor key and a key change for the final verse.
The hymn tune Crimond has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, when Scottish church musician Jessie Seymour Irvine composed the melody. Since then, it has become one of the most beloved and widely recognized hymn tunes in the world, with countless artists and ensembles performing their own interpretations over the years.
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and reverence to your next religious service or special event, Ben Clapton’s string quartet arrangement of “The Lord’s My Shepherd” is the perfect choice. So why wait? Order your copy today and experience the beauty and power of this timeless hymn like never before. And remember, with Joyful Noise Music Studio, you’re always in good hands.
Looking for a timeless and beautiful string quartet arrangement of the Easter hymn tune, “Now the Green Blade Rises”? Look no further than the stunning arrangement by Ben Clapton of Joyful Noise Music Studio!
This arrangement is a wonderful showcase of Clapton’s talents as a composer and arranger. He has taken the old French tune Noel Nouvelet and created a lush and harmonious piece of music that is perfect for Easter services, weddings, and any other special occasion. The piece is scored for two violins, viola, and cello, making it a perfect choice for a skilled string quartet.
This arrangement of “Now the Green Blade Rises” starts with a standard hymn tune arrangement, with the melody in the first violin. However, as the piece progresses, Clapton expands on this basic arrangement with more ornamentation and a greater use of harmony.
About halfway through the piece, the tune is transformed into compound time, which adds a whole new layer of complexity and depth to the arrangement. The tune is passed around the quartet, with each instrument taking a turn at playing the melody and adding their own unique ornamentation.
Finally, the piece returns to simple time for a joyous finish to the arrangement, with all four instruments playing together to create a beautiful and uplifting finale.
This arrangement of “Now the Green Blade Rises” is not only beautiful to listen to, but also fun and rewarding to play. Musicians of varying skill levels will find something to enjoy in this arrangement, from the simple and straightforward beginning to the more complex and challenging middle section.
If you’re looking for a beautiful string quartet arrangement of a classic Easter hymn tune, look no further than Ben Clapton’s arrangement of “Now the Green Blade Rises”. Available for purchase from Sheet Music Direct and Sheet Music Plus, this arrangement is a must-have for any string quartet looking to add a beautiful and uplifting piece of music to their repertoire.
Looking for a beautiful and soulful string quartet arrangement of the classic hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns”? Look no further than the stunning arrangement by Ben Clapton, available exclusively from Joyful Noise Music Studio!
This arrangement brings new life to the timeless hymn, which is set to the stirring tune “Diademata.” With its soaring melodies and rich harmonies, this piece is perfect for use in church services, weddings, and other special events.
But who are the creators of this beloved hymn? “Crown Him with Many Crowns” was written by the British composer Matthew Bridges in 1851, and its stirring lyrics were set to the melody “Diademata” by Sir George Job Elvey.
Bridges, who was born in 1800, was a Catholic convert who wrote numerous hymns and religious works. Elvey, who was born in 1816, was a prominent organist and composer who served as the organist at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle for more than 40 years.
Together, these two talented men created a hymn that has endured for more than a century and a half. And now, thanks to the skillful arrangement by Ben Clapton, this classic hymn can be enjoyed anew in a beautiful and stirring string quartet setting.
So whether you’re a church musician looking for new arrangements for your worship services, or a music lover looking for something special for your next event, be sure to check out the stunning string quartet arrangement of “Crown Him with Many Crowns” by Ben Clapton, available now from Joyful Noise Music Studio.
Introducing “Disciples, Kneeling, at the Cross” – a powerful and moving brass band arrangement of “Am I a Soldier of the Cross” by Ira D Sankey and “At the Cross” by Darlene Zschech and Reuben Morgan.
The first song “Am I a Soldier of the Cross” is a 19th century hymn written by Ira D. Sankey. It is a powerful song that encourages believers to be steadfast in their faith, like soldiers in battle. It reminds us of the sacrifices we make as Christians, and our commitment to follow Jesus, even in the face of adversity.
The second song “At the Cross” by Darlene Zschech and Reuben Morgan is a modern worship song that reflects on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is a reminder of the love and grace that God offers to all who believe, and a call to worship and surrender to Him. The song encourages people to leave their burdens at the cross and experience the freedom and forgiveness that can only come through Jesus.
Expertly arranged by Ben Clapton for a British style brass band, this piece was originally performed by the esteemed Melbourne Staff Band of The Salvation Army in 2013. The British-style brass band is the perfect ensemble to convey the emotions of the two songs combined, with its rich and powerful sound. The brass band adds a new dimension of emotion and power to these already moving songs.
Immerse yourself in the rich and uplifting sound of a brass band as they pay tribute to the sacrifice of Jesus at the cross. Perfect for church services, concerts, or any event where a powerful message of faith and devotion is needed. Experience the majesty and power of “Disciples, Kneeling, at the Cross” today! This arrangement is an excellent way to honour the sacrifice of Jesus and to remind ourselves of our commitment to follow Him. It is a powerful reminder of the love and grace that God offers to all who believe and it will leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Experience the beautiful and timeless hymn “Abide with Me” like never before with our string quartet arrangement. Composed by the English organist and composer Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, this hymn has been beloved by generations for its poignant lyrics and soaring melody. This arrangement is not suitable for singing, but it is perfect for adding a sense of reflection and beauty to any church service as background music. Arranger Ben Clapton has brought a fresh and dynamic interpretation to this classic hymn, ensuring that it will be a highlight of any service. Whether you are looking for music to accompany a reflective church service, funeral, or other special occasion, our “Abide with Me” string quartet arrangement is sure to add an extra layer of meaning and emotion to your event. With its rich harmonies and soaring melodies, this arrangement is sure to be a hit with both musicians and music lovers alike. So why wait? Add this beautiful piece to your service today and bring a touch of timeless beauty to your next event.
This upbeat hit by Onerepublic features in the film Top Gear: Maverick. Arranged here for String Orchestra (with optional drums), it’s filled with driving melodies that perfectly capture a sun-filled summer day. The first violin part heads into fifth position, but all other upper string parts can comfortably be played in first position. There is an optional 3rd violin part which doubles parts of the 2nd violin and viola parts, and fills out parts of the harmonies at times.
British DJ and producer Joel Corry produced an awesome hit with “Head and Heart”. Reaching number 1 in the UK, it was both Corry and vocalist MNEK’s first chart topper.
With such a catchy vocal hook, I thought this would work really well as a choral arrangement. However, some of the vocal flourishes went a bit high in the original key, so I included an alternate arrangement in C minor as opposed to F minor. The lower key necessitated some changes in the vocal lines, but it has meant a reduced vocal range that lends itself to school choirs.
One of the things I absolutely love about playing the violin is playing orchestral music. I love the variety of repertoire that it brings – from Bach Cantatas to Tchaikovsky Symphonies, Bizet’s suites, and modern, cutting edge compositions. Orchestral playing is constantly interesting and challenging.
Rehearsing with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra
When I was going through my Bachelor of Music, I loved orchestral playing, and I even did a research project on what was required to win an orchestral violin position in an Australian orchestra. But my playing was never at the stage where I could consider applying for an audition, let alone winning that audition.
I went away from music for a few years, but now I’m back – currently studying to be a High School music teacher. I’ve got two years of study to go, so I’m setting myself a goal.
In two years, I want my playing to be at a stage where I could feel confident in applying for an audition. I’m not going to say that I’m going to win that audition – but to borrow a line from a hit musical, “I want to be in the room where it happens.”
So to start with, let’s look at what’s required for an Orchestral Violin audition.
First, you generally need to have two violin concertos prepared. These are broken up into two categories. The first is a Mozart Concerto – by which they will either specify, or at least expect either the Fourth concerto in D Major, or the Fifth concerto in A Major. The second category is either a Romantic or Twentieth Century concerto. These have a bit more flexibility in them, and do allow for a bit more choice, but most audition panels would be expecting to hear the Tchaikovsky or Sibelius Violin Concertos.
You then are required to play some orchestral excerpts, which allows them to see how you might fit in to the individual stylistic playing of the orchestra. Over the many years of orchestral auditions, there have been a number of excerpts that have proven themselves to be required more often than others, so even though you may not get a list of required excerpts until the audition is announced, or even closer to the audition date, you can still prepare these excerpts knowing that it is likely they will be included.
When I consider my own playing and my own repertoire that I know at the moment, there are a few things that are missing. I’ve learnt the fourth concerto by Mozart, and I refreshed it in 2020. But I’ve not really learnt any of the major romantic concerti. And while my head knowledge remains relatively fresh, a lot of my technique has slipped. And if I’m to seriously tackle the Tchaikovsky concerto, then I need to address the weakest part of my playing – my double stops.
A Bendigo Symphony Orchestra chamber music rehearsal
When taking on any challenge, it’s important to note the things that can get in the way, or make it more difficult. I’m heading into full time study this year, which is no easy feat on its own, but my studies will see me be required to complete three month-long practicums – two this year, one next year. That will take up a lot of my time. I have three kids, one who is diagnosed ASD, and one who is undergoing diagnosis. As such, there are a lot of appointments and therapy sessions to attend to. And while this is an important challenge to me, my family will always come first.
As such, I’ve come up with a plan that I feel is achievable despite these time constraints, but is still enough of a challenge that it will stretch me. I’ve divided it up into semesters, but it basically means the first half of the year, and the second half of the year.
Semester 1
Semester 2
2021
Polish Mozart 4 Learn Mendelssohn Technique focus on Double Stops Excerpts: Bach St Matthew Passion; Beethoven Symphony 2, 3 and 9; Mozart Symphony 35 and 39
Polish Mendelssohn Learn Mozart 5 Technique focus on tone production Excerpts: Brahms Symphony 1 and 4, and Variations on a Theme by Haydn; Elgar Enigma Variations; Prokofiev Symphony 1; Shostakovich Symphony 1
All 2021
Kreutzer and Fiolillo Etudes
2022
Polish Mozart 5 Learn Tchaikovsky Technique focus on intonation Excerpts: Prokofiev Symphony 5; Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade Solos; Strauss Don Juan; Tchaikovsky Symphony 4 and 5; Bartok Concerto for Orchestra
Polish Tchaikovsky Technique focus on bowing Excerpts: Mahler 3 and 5; Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet Orchestral Suites; Strauss Ein Heldenleben (Solos) and Der Burger als Edelmann (Solos); Tchaikovsky Swan Lake (Solos)
All 2022
Rode and Dont etudes
In terms of the amount of practice I am able to do, I am aiming to do two hours of practice a day. That might be a bit of a stretch some days, so it might only be one hour, but that is the aim.
One of the things that I am really trying to focus in on is learning the right way. So I will also be really looking at my practice techniques, utilising resources such as Practiceopedia by Philip Johnston (no longer in print); Youtube, and others, to improve my practicing and make it as effective and efficient as possible. I’ll be sharing these in my weekly videos as I share what I’ve been working on, how I’ve been working on it, and how well it has worked.
I’m excited to see what this program will be able to do for my playing, and for my teaching. I hope you’ll be able to join me for this journey by subscribing to my YouTube channel. But for now – I need to go and practice.
Lindsay Stirling and Kuha’o Case created an amazing version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozVmO… ). I performed their arrangement at Ellenbrook Anglican Church on 20 December 2020 for their Children’s Christmas service. Jemima Loveland on Piano.
Ben Clapton 