Add a touch of blues to your string orchestra repertoire with this lazy ‘ole’ tune in the style of early Duke Ellington, at the time he was playing New York’s Cotton Club. In this type of number, Ellington typically used three clarinets playing a harmonised melody, which is why this tune, Harlem Love Call, works well with a string orchetra, the three clarinets being replaced by violins 1, violins 2 and violas. The cell and basses play a supporting role and propel everything along.

Play it in a lazy fashion and bend a few notes here and there if you wish. It’s that kind of piece. Note that it starts quietly at A and increases in volume through B and C. It quietens down at D and E is quieter still (pianissimo) through to the end.