String Orchestra Music by

Donald E. Olah




Donald E. Olah grew up in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, attending school in the Norwin School District. He was a member of the award-winning Norwin Knights High School Band as well as being active in several other school and community musical groups. While attending Norwin High School, he also distinguished himself academically, becoming a National Merit Semifinalist and graduating with honors in 1974.

Mr. Olah attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he continued to be an active member of several different large and small musical ensembles. He received his Bachelor of Music Education in 1978, graduating Magna cum Laude. His Master of Music in Education was earned from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1986.

After teaching instrumental and vocal music at several different Virginia school systems, including Brunswick County, Chesterfield County, the City of Petersburg,and Stafford County, Mr. Olah joined the faculty of Spotslvania County Public Schools. He is presently in charge of the string program at Battlefield and Chancellor middle schools. He continues to be an active composer and arranger of music for middle school students, specializing in music for young string orchestras.



Published Pieces

1. Appalachian Lament(Traditional/Olah)

This piece is a fantasy containing variations and development of the traditional folk song Poor Wayfaring Stranger, a plaintive hymn sung for many years in the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

2. All the Pretty Little Horses(Traditional/Olah)

This is a setting of an old lullaby from the Appalachain Mountains


The above pieces are available from:Publisher or Music Retailer

Northfield Press

63 Tristan Lane, Williamsville, NY 14221

Phone: (716) 435-9818 FAX: (716) 634- 2581


E-mail:nfpress@buffnet.netWeb Page: http://www.buffnet.net/~nfpress

3. Chicken Licks(Traditional/Olah)

This is a fun piece and a good introduction to fiddle tunes. It is a medley of three traditional American fiddle tunes: Chicken Reel, Cluck Old Hen, and Turkey in the Straw.


4. Pavane for a Dead Princess(Ravel/Olah)

This beautiful piece was originally written by Maurice Ravel for piano; later, he reworked it for full orchestra. Now it has been re-arranged for string orchestra. All parts have been simplified for student musicians, but the distinct harmonic structure and lovely melody remain intact.


Above pieces are Available from: Music Retailer Only


Velke Publishing Company

PO Box 393

Glen Echo, MD 20812

Phone: (301) 229-2078 Fax: (301) 229-2007


E-mail:velkepub@erols.comWeb Page:http://www.erols.com/velkepub/


5. Seventh Symphony, Second Movement (Beethoven/Olah)

This abridged arrangement features the haunting melody and complementary countermelody of the A minor section as featured in the film Mr. Holland’s Opus. All parts have been simplified for "playability", but the harmonic structure and emotional feeling remain completely intact.

6. Radetsky March(Strauss/Olah)

The Vienna Philharmonic has made this march a New Year's Eve standard. It is unabridged, but is simplified for young orchestras.

7. Theme from the Italian Symphony(Mendelssohn/Olah)

This lively melody for the first movement is familiar audience pleaser.

Above pieces are available from:Publisher or Music Retailer


MSB Publishing Company

PO Box 221934

Chantilly, VA 20153-1934

Phone: (703) 802-6790 Fax: (703) 802-7593

E-mail:msbpubco@aol.comWeb Site:http://members.aol.com/msbpubco/



8. Overture from "Don Giovanni" (Mozart/Olah)

A wonderful introduction to Mozart Opera Overtures. Abridged, but with all important themes intact, and easily played by young students.


9. Serenade from String Quartet #5(Haydn/Olah)

The familiar melody is played arco is the first violin section, while other sections play the pizzicato supporting parts in a manner very similar to the orginal work.


10. Themes from "The Bartered Bride" (Smetana/Olah)

Two themes, the villager's chorus and polka, combine to create a lively concert selection for young strings.


Above pieces are available from:Publisher or Music Retailer


EDEL Music Publications

PO Box 3263

Burlington, VT 05401-3263

E-mail: edelmp@together.net Web Page: http://homepages.together.net/~edelmp/




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