String Orchestra - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.522223 Composed by Anonymous. Arranged by Colin Kirkpatrick. Instructional,Renaissance. Score and parts. 20 pages. Colin Kirkpatrick Publications #3915085. Published by Colin Kirkpatrick Publications (A0.522223). Les Courantes are two well-known dances from Terpsichore by Michael Praetorius. They have been arranged for strings, keyboard, optional guitar, recorder or any C-pitched instruments and simple percussion. In this series, Renaissance Hits for Strings, some of the most well-known dances from Terpsichore are included. They are all attractive pieces and are sure to be popular at any concerts or end-of-semester events. They are fairly easy to play too and the flexible instrumentation allows any players to take a solo with the melody part. They can be played by string quartet, string orchestra or ideally string ensemble plus any other C-pitch instruments that happen to be available. This publication consists of a score showing the four-part ensemble, keyboard and percussion parts. There are separate parts for violin 1, violin 2, viola (violin 3), cello/bass, percussion and keyboard. Additional instruments are not essential but they add contrasting tone colour. The keyboard part is intended as a guide and when possible the keyboard player should improvise around the part and chords shown. A piano sounds distinctly out of place in this music and a digital or acoustic harpsichord sounds more authentic. Most electronic keyboards have a harpsichord option.Every instrumental part (except percussion) also shows the melody line. This allows anyone to take a solo and play the melody, while the other players remain tacet. Solos can be decided in advance and the parts marked accordingly. Just cross out what you don’t need! The percussion instruments used are similar to those found in elementary school music rooms and usually include a tambour or hand-held drum, clave or small headless tambourine. Two players are usually required and the parts can be interpreted quite freely. Dance music is intended to be fun, and we hope that this arrangement brings you just that. Â
