Rhapsody on a Theme by Gustav Holst

By Robert Longfield

While it was originally written for the band, it does bode well with a string orchestra. But, it leaves many a child sleeping. This is because there are many long breaks where the violas would play, or the cellos would play, or the first violins would play, leaving the rest...

having to sit and wait for their next time to play. It does teach counting skills, and diligence and watching the conductor, but all of that is unlikely to happen if you are asleep. It is a slight crowd pleaser. The third page is where the arranger found his stride, but for those who don't want to wait that long, this piece is not for you.