SKU: A0.1138185

An easy-to-play arrangement for string quartet of Duffy's 2008 hit. The melody is divided amongst all four instruments, before they join in an all-out rendering of the chorus. Can be a lot of fun as an encore, or in the 'second half' of a 'pops' concert. Enjoy!

SKU: A0.749223

https://youtu.be/RYUY5j3rGmE

Mercy was a massive hit for Duffy in 2008, topping the UK charts for five weeks, earning a grammy nomination and establishing her career as an artist.   It is one of my favourite songs and I really loved arranging this one!

The video shows my arrangement of Mercy for String Quartet but without voice, to give you an idea. Many things about it are similar to this version for voice and quartet but the voice carries the tune so it is not so demanding for the first violin. There are some excerpts to listen to in the 30 second sample of the quartet with my daughter singing.

This is more difficult to play than some of my other arrangements as it is very syncopated and it is important to feel the stresses on the off beats. As far as possible I have written these as down bows which I hope will help the players to lean into the groove! The pizzicato baseline will need to be prominent, but the inner parts very light, and played near the end of the bow so that the singer can be heard. I have added lyrics to some of the lines to help with the rhythms. I hope you have as much fun playing this one as I did arranging it. Send me any phone recordings on Facebook as I love to hear from people who have tried my arrangements.

Please visit my channel on Youtube at Helen Marple-Horvat, Songwriter, Arranger and Composer to find lots of music that I have arranged for Quartet. Most of it is available from Sheet Music Plus.