I have a strong love for the big orchestral works, mainly symphonies. But lets have a look at another genre, the String Serenade (or suite, or however it is called). Its simple, a piece for strings only, mainly the size of  chamber orchestra. But all kinds of orchestra sizes are to find there. It is a lovely genre, becoming popular in the middle of the nineteenth century, and we find very famous  names.

 

I do not give any musical excerpts because this music is well known, just use the link to YouTube and enjoy:

 

Tschaikovsky:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNxwVOZwu10

 

Dvorak

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqFZTnhDg2M

 

Grieg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHTJ-Bc4Lv0

 

Elgar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7OepiN7zgY

 

Nielsen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwNjR4Y8vmo

 

Holst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRRtmrjWsPE

 

Vaugham Wiliams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBkmghDhCak

 

Sibelius

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BUH2qzj584