On a tour of America in 1833 and 1834, the Franco/Flemish violin virtuoso Henri Vieuxtemps heard Yankee Doodle . On returning to Europe, he produced the violin and piano barnburner that was the inspiration for this string orchestra arrangement. Everyone in the orchestra gets a crack at the melody and some alternate notes are provided for those with acrophobia. This is a must-have for those who enjoy programming patriotic music where the fireworks are in the string parts. (3:20)