Piano,Viola - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548507 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christian,Christmas. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3387407. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548507). The First Noel arranged for Viola & Piano with new harmony for the final verse.Origins The First Noel is an English Christmas carol. Even more, it was probably written in the late Cornish Renaissance period. While other versions spell the title as Nowell, this is just a colloquial variation. Furthermore, Noel is an older word meaning Christmas. Therefore the First Noel translates as the First Christmas. First of all, Gilbert and Sandy published the earliest version. As a result, this version appears in the Carols Ancient and Modern songbook of 1823. William Sandy edited and arranged the book. Similarly, his partner Davies Gilbert edited and added the familiar extra verses. The First Noel: Viola Version comes with new harmony in final verse for more energy and drive. Stainer Organist and composer Sir John Stainer published the most noteworthy customary arrangement in the 1870’s.  Stainer is above all famous for his songbook entitled: Christmas Carols New and Old (1871). This volume served as an important catalyst for reviving the English Christmas carol.  Other famous Stainer arrangements from this book are such titles as What Child Is This, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, and I Saw Three Ships. Diatonic Function The melodic structure in the First Noel is uncommon among English folk tunes. It simply repeats one phrase twice then follows a variation refrain. All three phrases of the song end on the mediant scale degree. This is unusual because the diatonic function of the mediant is non-final compared to the more usual tonic or even dominant degrees. Consequently, this gives the song as kind of open-ended feeling – like maybe it never really ends. Political Context The Catholic clergy sang carols outside of the church in Latin. After the Protestant Reformation, the reformers thought it would be better for everyone to sing carols. They decided to bring music back to the common folk. So, they translated the lyrics from Latin into common language. Moreover, the Protestants wanted more control over the music in church than what the Vatican allowed. Protestant composers such as William Byrd composed complex polyphonic Christmas music that they called carols. Nonetheless, some famous folk carols were composed in this era. Eminent composers in the nineteenth century began to revise and adapt them. Consequently, they revived the English carol.  Register for free lifetime updates and revisions at www.jamesguthrie.com  

Piano,Viola - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548726 Composed by Martin Luther. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Easter,Instructional,Standards. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3411767. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548726). Out of the Depths I Cry to You by Martin Luther. The first verses feature modified counterpoint and harmony proceeding at quarter = 82. The final verse is reharmonized for maximum dramatic effect at a more contemplative tempo such as quarter = 64. Very powerful selection for Lent or Easter. Duration (3 verses) 3:05, 36 ms. Score: 3 pg. Solo part: 1 pg. The piano reads from the score. Out of the Depths Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (From deep affliction I cry out to you), is, of course, a hymn composed by Martin Luther. Moreover, Luther also wrote the lyrics which are essentially a paraphrase of Psalm 130. First published in 1524, it is also one of eight songs in the original Lutheran hymnal. It appears likewise in many hymnals and in different translations. The lyrics furthermore stimulated compositions from the Renaissance to the contemporary. Consequently, composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach built an entire chorale cantata on it. Other composers similarly contributed compositions, such as Felix Mendelssohn and Max Reger. Luther Background Martin Luther, (1483 –1546) was a German professor of theology, composer, priest, and moreover, an influential character in the Protestant Reformation. Luther had a momentous impact on church and society due to his contributions to the musical arts. He wanted to disseminate the gospel among mankind and with this intention thought that the best way to do that was through music. Influence It is important to realize that other musicians, and their descendants, were encouraged by Luther’s songs and wrote their own hymns. Luther, to be sure, had a thorough musical education. For example, he knew secular and sacred songs from an early age. He, in particular, played the lute well and sang in the monastery when he was a monk. That is to say, music was an essential part of his life. He in fact first began writing songs in 1523, sometimes writing the melody as well as the lyrics. Luther was certainly able to evaluate the composers of his time. He thought especially highly of Josquin des and Ludwig Senfl. He was also acquainted, with this in mind, with other composers and their works. Legacy The Lutheran musical ethos soon covered all of Germany and later significantly fashioned Protestant musical culture. Heinrich Schütz and Johann Sebastian Bach are the most compelling evidence of this Protestant musical culture. Additionally, as a point often overlooked, the pedal organ, first refined in northern Germany, became universally prevalent. As a matter of fact, Dieterich Buxtehude established a regular evening organ concert series in Lübeck. Another key point is that this concert series, in turn, spread North German Musical ideas worldwide. Luther was especially convinced that music is a beautiful and exclusive offering of the divine.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549634 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Concert,Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #3516289. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549634). Duration: ca 5:20, Score: 8 pages, solo part: 3 pages, piano part: 4 pages. One of Beethoven's finest and most famous works. Program for a recital, church meditation or school program. Sonata Pathétique Op. 13 First of all, this is an arrangement of the second movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique. It seems like Beethoven wrote this piece before becoming troubled by deafness. Published in 1799, it consequently remains one of the most celebrated pieces Beethoven ever wrote. As a result of its popularity, the movement was therefore performed by Karl Haas. Hass recorded it for a popular radio show called: Adventures in Good Music. Beethoven Background Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 –1827) was certainly a German pianist. Above all, he was probably one of the greatest composers in history. As a result, he is a pivotal character in the progress between the Classical and Romantic periods. He is certainly one of the most famous and hence important of all composers. Seems like his most familiar and noteworthy works include symphonies 1-9; piano concertos 1-5; and furthermore, the violin concerto. Also, certainly of extreme importance are the noteworthy 32 sonatas for the piano; the string quartets 1-16; the Missa solemnis; and likewise, his only opera, Fidelio. Beethoven Overview First of all, Beethoven was born and consequently raised in Bonn. Upon turning 21 he moved to Vienna probably to study composition with Haydn. That’s when he consequently grew a reputation as a brilliant pianist. Furthermore, he probably stayed in Vienna for the rest of his life. In his late 20s, it seems like his hearing certainly began to decline. It slowly declined until consequently, he was nearly totally deaf probably by the last decade of his life. As a result, he stopped conducting and performing. Nevertheless, he continued to compose. As a result, some of his greatest works probably come from this period. First Period Seems like we often divide Beethoven’s life into three periods. Period 1 begins with Beethoven’s arrival in Vienna. Hence, during this period, he mastered the Viennese style of Haydn & Mozart. He consequently began increasing the size and scale of his works. Furthermore, he experimented with extreme dynamics, and likewise extreme tempi. He worked similarly with chromatic harmony. His First and Second Symphonies, therefore, belong to this period. Other important works also belong here: the first six string quartets and the Sonata Pathétique, Op. 13. Second Period His second period probably began as soon as he realized that he was going deaf. During this period, it seems like he became obsessed with the idea of heroism. His works consequently become even larger and more massive. The most noteworthy of these include the symphonies 3 – 8, piano concertos 5& 6, 5 string quartets, several important piano sonatas (Waldstein and Appassionata), the Kreutzer violin sonata, the violin concerto and his only opera: Fidelio. Third Period In contrast, Beethoven's third period is branded above all by works of incredible intellectual depth, formal innovation, and penetrating expression. It seems like he continued to expand his works. Consequently, the string quartet Op. 131 spills over into seven connected movements. Likewise, in the Ninth Symphony, he adds choral forces to his orchestra probably for the first time in history. Even more, other works from this period include his Missa solemnis, the final 5 string quartets (including the enormous Große Fuge) and the final five sonatas for piano.    

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1254033 Composed by Camille Saint-Saens. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. 19th Century,Chamber,Contest,Festival,Historic,Romantic Period. Score and part. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #847646. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1254033). Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne) movement 13 from the Carnival of the Animals Suite. One of his most popular and widely recognized works, it is the only movement from the Carnival Suite that Saint-Saëns permitted to be performed publicly during his lifetime. This is an excellent recital encore to demonstrate melodic playing and strategic phrasing.The Carnival of the AnimalsThe Carnival of the Animals is an entertaining musical suite of fourteen movements by Camille Saint-Saëns. The work was composed for private performance by an ensemble of two pianos and solo instruments. The Swan (No. 13) is among the fourteen most famous movements. In its entirety, it lasts about 25 minutes.Saint-Saëns BackgroundCharles-Camille Saint-Saëns 1835 – 1921) was, by all means, in particular, a famous French composer, brilliant organist, and significant musical mastermind of the Romantic era. Indeed, his most famous compositions, in the long run, include his Piano Concerto No. 2 (1868), Cello Concerto No. 1 (1872), and the Danse macabre (1874). Notwithstanding, we must also add Violin Concerto No. 3 (1880), Symphony No. 3 (the Organ Symphony, 1886), and, it must be remembered, Carnival of the Animals (1886) to the list.ChildhoodIt is essential to realize that Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly, in fact, a child musical prodigy. Consequently, with this in mind, he made his concert debut, albeit at ten years old. Another critical point to remember is that he expressly studied at the Paris Conservatoire, then, despite reality, conversely followed a traditional career path as a church organist. Nevertheless, twenty years later, on the other hand, he left to become a successful freelance pianist and composer despite, as has been noted, his former employment situation. Furthermore, his performances were, after all, markedly in demand - not only in Europe but, above all, in the Americas all in all as well.YouthA point often overlooked is that in his youth, Saint-Saëns was undoubtedly excited about the modern music of the day. He was, in essence, fond of the music of his contemporaries, particularly Schumann, Liszt, and, for the most part, Wagner. In contrast, however, his compositions seemed, in fact, primarily confined within the conservative classical tradition. Be that as it may, he was, at the same time, nevertheless, a scholar of musical history.CriticismOn the whole, his conservatism, in fact, ultimately brought him into frequent conflict in his later years with composers of the impressionist and, in particular, the dodecaphonic schools of musical thought. A point often overlooked is that he included neoclassical elements in his music, contrary to some critics. Furthermore, in so doing, he provided the most compelling evidence that he predicted the techniques and works by Stravinsky and Les Six. To put it another way, given these points, he was regarded, perhaps for the most part unfairly, as a non-progressive reactionary henceforth around the time of his passing.LegacySaint-Saëns taught briefly in Paris, where his students included Gabriel Fauré. Maurice Ravel later studied with Fauré. In conclusion, both Ravel and Fauré were powerfully influenced by Saint-Saëns, whom they respected as a musical mastermind.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549441 Composed by Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 14 pages. Jmsgu3 #3494681. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549441). Score: 7 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages. Duration: 4:25. Not difficult, but requires sensitivity & dynamic control. Suitable for recitals, church meditations, or school programs. School Years First of all, Sullivan attended music school at the Royal Academy of Music. Because Sullivan was so talented, the Academy awarded him the Mendelssohn Scholarship for two years in a row. He, therefore, studied with John Goss, who studied with Thomas Atwood, who in turn studied with Mozart. Sullivan similarly studied the piano at the Academy with Arthur O’Leary. Study Abroad During his first year, he also earned money by singing solos in the Chapel Royal. At the end of his second year, the Academy consequently continued his scholarship and sent him to study at the Leipzig Conservatoire. He certainly studied composition, and likewise counterpoint and piano. Hence, during his final year in Leipzig, Sullivan finally completed his graduation composition project: Incidental Music for Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Association with Gilbert It seems like Sullivan built the bulk of his composing career largely in the 1860s. As a result, he became famous for his incidental music for the Tempest and his Irish Symphony. He, therefore, began collaborating with the poet W. S. Gilbert in the 1870s. Rather than focus on serious opera, Gilbert and Sullivan, in contrast, concentrated on comic operas such as H. M. S. Pinafore, the Pirates of Penzance, and the Mikado. Therefore, certainly as a result of his education and experience, Sullivan composed a total of 24 operas, 11 symphonic works, and 10 choral pieces. Even more, he wrote a large number of noteworthy hymns such as Onward Christian Soldiers. Lost Chord The general style of his music is maybe similar to Mendelssohn, Schumann, and perhaps Liszt. It seems like Sullivan was fond of writing distinct melodies for each character in his operettas. His melodies combine together as the characters did. Furthermore, he was a master orchestrator, and therefore played the flute, clarinet, trumpet, and trombone fluently. The Lost Chord Sullivan wrote his most noteworthy song the Lost Chord in 1877. As a result, it was a great success and was certainly performed all over the world by a variety of singers such as Enrico Caruso. Because Sullivan was the most famous composer in England, the Lost Chord became the most famous of all British or American songs of the 1870s and 1890s. Consequently, in 1888 Thomas Edison recorded The Lost Chord for the phonograph. It was one of the first songs ever recorded. Furthermore, Queen Victoria knighted Sullivan in 1883.    

Piano,Viola - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.765073 Composed by Adrianus Valerius. Arranged by Lori Archer Sutherland. Contemporary,Holiday,Sacred. Score and part. 6 pages. Lori Archer Sutherland #6131597. Published by Lori Archer Sutherland (A0.765073). For viola and piano Celebrate Thanksgiving and the holiday season with the well-loved hymn, We Gather Together, a song of Dutch origin.Set for intermediate solo with piano accompaniment, this hymn is a nice addition to church worship and holiday services. After a brief introduction, the instrumentalist has the first turn at the melody. As the piano takes over the hymn, the instrumentalist plays a descant line. Both come together at the end to finish out the piece.

Piano,Viola - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549418 Composed by Antonin Dvorak. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Sacred,Standards. Score and part. 12 pages. Jmsgu3 #3493991. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549418). Score: 7 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages. Duration: 4:25 Not difficult, but requires sensitivity & dynamic control. Suitable for recitals, church meditations, or school programs. Dvořák Background Antonín Dvořák (1841 –1904) was, of course, a composer from Czechoslovakia. As a matter of fact, he was among the first Bohemian composers to attain universal recognition. It is important to realize that the late Romantic Nationalist period featured composers who used traditional and folk elements to portray the character of their nation. In particular, we see this in the music of Grieg (Norway), Finland (Sibelius), and Smetana (Bohemia).  Dvořák relied markedly on rhythms and other characteristics of Moravian and Bohemian folk music. Ascent to Fame Dvořák was truly a child musical prodigy on the violin. The premiere performances of his compositions notably occurred in 1872 and 1873. He submitted his First Symphony in particular to a German competition, but it failed to win. Consequently, in 1874 he presented two more symphonies to the Austrian State Prize for Composition. Johannes Brahms was the principal of the jury and was accordingly very impressed. They forthwith awarded the prize to Dvořák in 1874, 1876, and 1877. At this point, Brahms thereupon endorsed Dvořák to the publisher Simrock. Later, the publisher commissioned Dvořák to compose the Slavonic Dances, Op. 46. These became popular overnight and, as a result, Dvořák's worldwide status was launched. International Status Dvořák visited England upon invitation nine times. On each visit, he frequently conducted performances of his own compositions. He conducted concerts of his music, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Eventually, the Prague Conservatory in fact appointed Dvořák as a professor. There, to be sure, he wrote his famous Dumky Trio. United States Consequently, the National Conservatory of Music of America appointed him as director in 1892. As a result, Dvořák composed his two most famous symphonic works: the Symphony No. 9 (From the New World), which spread his name universally, and his Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, one of the most famous of all cello works. Moreover, he wrote his most celebrated American String Quartet during this time. At the same time, because of his growing recognition in Europe and his homesickness for his own country, he left to return to Bohemia in 1895.

Piano,Viola - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1485717 Composed by Felix Bartholdy Mendelssohn. Arranged by Bruno Monteferrante. Advent,Christmas,Classical,Holiday,Religious. Score and part. 3 pages. Bruno Monteferrante #1062788. Published by Bruno Monteferrante (A0.1485717). Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with our delightful arrangement of Hark the Herald Angels Sing for viola solo and piano accompaniment. Composed by the legendary Felix Mendelssohn, this piece is meticulously tailored for beginner to intermediate viola and piano players, blending ease of play with rich musicality.Key Features:Designed for Beginner to Intermediate Musicians: This arrangement caters specifically to the needs of beginner to intermediate viola and piano players, offering a harmonious balance between accessibility and musical satisfaction.Authentic and Melodic: Retaining the majestic charm of Mendelssohn's original composition, this arrangement brings the heartwarming essence of the classic Christmas carol to life.Clear and Readable Notation: Both the viola and piano parts are presented with clear, easy-to-read notation, aiding musicians in developing their sight-reading skills and ensuring a smooth performance.Educational and Engaging: This piece not only provides a delightful playing experience but also serves as an educational tool, helping musicians improve their technical abilities and musical expression.Festive Storytelling: Let the uplifting melodies of Hark the Herald Angels Sing tell a festive story, bringing joy and holiday cheer to any setting, whether it's a recital, a family gathering, or personal practice.Unique Selling Points:Perfect Duo Arrangement: This sheet music uniquely combines the expressive tones of the viola with the harmonic richness of the piano, creating a captivating musical dialogue between the two instruments.Ideal for Various Settings: Whether you're preparing for a holiday concert, looking for a beautiful piece for a church service, or simply want to add a festive touch to your practice repertoire, this arrangement is an excellent choice.Crafted for Enjoyment and Growth: With its focus on beginner to intermediate players, this arrangement ensures that musicians can enjoy the process of learning and performing without feeling overwhelmed, making it a perfect addition to music education programs.Order Your Copy Today!Elevate your holiday music collection with our viola solo and piano accompaniment arrangement of Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Dive into the magical world of Mendelssohn's music and spread the joy of the season. Order now and let your performance shine with festive brilliance! Enhance your search for the perfect holiday sheet music with this engaging arrangement, designed to make your Christmas celebrations musically memorable. Happy playing!

Instrumental Duet,Piano Instrumental Duet,Piano,Viola - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.683767 Composed by Netherlands Folk Hymn. Arranged by Gert Th. Walter. Christian,Holiday,Praise & Worship,Sacred. Score and parts. 3 pages. Gert Th. Walter #6098061. Published by Gert Th. Walter (A0.683767). Very easy arrangement, but not only for pupil and beginners. It works for any church services, and it is especially appropriate for schools and students. © 2020 MusikVerlag Gert Walter, Germany. All Rights Reserved. https://www.musikverlaggertwalter.de

Piano,Viola - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.786550 Composed by Isaac Watts, Lowell Mason. Arranged by Beka Wilson. Christian,Easter,Gospel,Sacred. Score and part. 4 pages. Beka Wilson #6253757. Published by Beka Wilson (A0.786550). When I Survey the Wondrous Cross has long been a favorite hymn to celebrate Easter and Christ’s sacrifice, and this arrangement for early intermediate instrumental solo is perfect for a prelude, offertory, or other special music piece for Easter Sunday, communion, or any other church service. This arrangement is also available as a solo for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, alto sax, tenor sax, F horn, trumpet, trombone, violin, and cello, and as a duet for two harps, harp/flute, harp/violin, harp/viola, and harp/cello. A vocal version of this arrangement will be made available soon. Key: Concert GLength: approximately 3 minutes 4 pages (includes score and separate solo part)Want this arrangement for a different set of instruments or in a different key? Shoot me an email at bekmars10@gmail.com for a custom version of this arrangement that I can post on Sheet Music Plus for you.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549328 By Barry Manilow. By Bruce Johnston. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Contemporary,Rock. Score and part. 8 pages. Jmsgu3 #3486067. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549328). Duration: ca. 3:00, score: 5 pages, solo part: 1 page, piano part: 2 pages.Very famous song suitable for church, recital or nightclub. I Write the Songs is a popular song written by Bruce Johnston in 1975 and made famous by Barry Manilow. Manilow's version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1976[2] after spending two weeks atop the Billboard adult contemporary chart in December 1975.[3] It won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year and was nominated for Record of the Year in 1977.[3] Billboard ranked it as the No. 13 song of 1976.[4]The original version was recorded by The Captain & Tennille, who worked with Johnston in the early 1970s with The Beach Boys. It appears on their 1975 album, Love Will Keep Us Together. The first release of I Write the Songs as a single was by then teen-idol David Cassidy from his 1975 solo album The Higher They Climb, which was also produced by Bruce Johnston. Cassidy's version reached #11 on the UK Singles Chart in August of that year.[5]Johnston has stated that, for him, the I in the song is God,[2] and that songs come from the spirit of creativity in all of us. He has said that the song is not about his Beach Boys bandmate Brian Wilson.[6]Manilow was initially reluctant to record the song, stating in his autobiography Sweet Life: The problem with the song was that if you didn't listen carefully to the lyric, you would think that the singer was singing about himself. It could be misinterpreted as a monumental ego trip.[3] After persuasion by Clive Davis, then president of Arista Records, Manilow recorded the song, and his version of I Write the Songs was the first single taken from the album Tryin' to Get the Feeling. It first charted on the Billboard Hot 100 on November 15, 1975, reaching the top of the chart nine weeks later, on January 17, 1976. Wikipedia

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.617740 Composed by William H. Doane, GARY LANIER. Arranged by Gary Lanier. Sacred. Score and part. 16 pages. The Lanier Company #6047177. Published by The Lanier Company (A0.617740). TO GOD BE THE GLORY One Movement Hymn Sonata is a musical work by Gary Lanier for Viola and Piano of one of our most cherished Hymns. The theme is one of God's love and the Christian's praise for Him in giving His Son that makes a way for us to life forever in His loving presence. The word, sonata is used by the composer/arranger because of the many ways the hymn tune is presented and developed through: motifs, secondary themes, variation, repetition, recapitulation and other compositional devices. TO GOD BE THE GLORY One Movement Hymn Sonata is perfect for Church services or any gatherings where hymns of the grace and love of God is desired. The score, including cover and instrumental part is 16 pages long.

Piano,Viola - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.786617 Composed by Charles Wesley, Robert Williams. Arranged by Beka Wilson. Christian,Easter,Gospel,Sacred. Score and part. 7 pages. Beka Wilson #6322547. Published by Beka Wilson (A0.786617). Christ the Lord is Risen Today by Charles Wesley is one of the classic favorites for celebrating the Resurrection. It would be a perfect special music piece for Easter, communion, or any other church service.This arrangement is also available as a solo for voice, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, alto sax, tenor sax, F horn, trumpet, trombone, violin, and cello.Length: approximately 3 minutes Level: advanced (for instrumental)7 pages (includes score and separate solo part)Want this arrangement in a different key or for a different set of instruments? Shoot me an email at bekmars10@gmail.com for a custom version of this arrangement that I can post on Sheet Music Plus for you.