String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1192354 Composed by Martin Shaw and Percy Dearmer. Arranged by Gayle Gould. 19th Century,Children,Christian,Christmas,Historic. 22 pages. Gayle Gould #791785. Published by Gayle Gould (A0.1192354). A happy and fun string quartet arrangement, approximately Grade 4, of a popular early-American Christmas carol originating in England, with sources placing it at various dates and locales. Given the cultural setting, and given the popularity of country dances, no doubt at least the children danced to this tune.The carol is also known by the name The First Good Thing That Mary Had, which is the first line of text.PDF contains the full score, individual parts, and a piano reduction provided to give a quick idea of what the arrangement sounds like. The number of verses varies, but one thing is for certain. It's purpose was to teach the story of the Virgin Mary from the birth of Jesus until His glorification in heaven. There are at least seven verses, each one telling Mary's experiences through the life of Christ. No doubt this was used to teach children and others who did not have or could not read the Scriptures.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1130593 Composed by Gail CM Gordon Chang. 20th Century,Chamber,Christian,Opera,Sacred. 20 pages. Gail CM Gordon Chang #730866. Published by Gail CM Gordon Chang (A0.1130593). Luke 1:46-55 - from the New English Version of the Bible, plus verse 38 paraphrase, form the lyrics for this Soprano Vocal Solo with String Quartet (composer's piano accompaniment version also available.) Mary's exhilarating song of praise to God who has made her to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Polyphonic, multi-tonal, and multi-metric, 20th C classical style. Accompaniment is very descriptive of the lyrical content. Includes Score plus all 4 string quartet parts: Violin 1 & 2, Viola, Cello.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1324594 By Kathy Mattea. By Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry. Arranged by Marianne Kim. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary,Holiday,Jazz. 15 pages. Marianne Kim #912797. Published by Marianne Kim (A0.1324594). String Quartet (Violin I, Violin II, Viola and Cello)The string quartet arrangement of Mary, Did You Know? by Marianne Kim blends classical and jazz influences with both traditional and contemporary harmonies. As a classically trained musician with a background in jazz, Kim infuses the arrangement with intricate melodies and rich, complex harmonies. At the same time, she stays true to the traditional character of the piece, while adding her own contemporary flair with creative harmonizations and chord progressions.

String Quartet Cello,Double Bass,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1093007 Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. Arranged by ANDERSSON. Baroque,Christmas,Easter,Sacred,Wedding. 10 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #697104. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1093007). This easy arrangement for string ensemble has been adapted to be simple to perform and understand the structure of the original work for various levels of musical knowledge. It can be played freely by beginning students because of the ease imposed on the piece. It is often performed at wedding ceremonies slowly and reverently, challenging the effect suggested by Bach in his original score for voices with trumpet, oboes, strings, and continuous bass. This is one of Bach's most beautiful cantatas, made famous by the Jesus the Joy of Men chorus. It was originally composed for Advent 1716 in Weimar. Years later, already in Leipzig, Advent was tempus clausum, there was no music in the churches. Bach then reworked it for the Feast of Mary's Visitation. It is the final chorale of the cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben. Although it is the 32nd cantata composed by Bach, of those that have survived, it was given BWV 147 in the complete catalog of his works.

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.889278 Composed by Mary Jane Lang. 20th Century. Score and parts. 32 pages. MaryJaneLang #2019995. Published by MaryJaneLang (A0.889278). This is not my first string quartet, but I think this is great program music; the titles of the movements (One of Those Daze, Reflections, Good Times) speak for themselves. The first movement explores rhythms and different meters (same pulse). The second movement is calming and reflective, like a prayer. The third movement is euphoric and probably the easiest one to play, which can be welcome if your group is giving a concert. Needless to say, the two outer movements are good for gigs such as receptions and parties. The score and each part is included in one PDF. Audio will be forthcoming upon being recorded.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1324707 Composed by Henri Ghys. Arranged by Diau-Hua Lim. Chamber,Folk. 12 pages. Diau-Hua Lim ,林肇� ,故鄉�曲樂譜 ,Homeland Famous Music Scores #912914. Published by Diau-Hua Lim ,林肇� ,故鄉�曲樂譜 ,Homeland Famous Music Scores (A0.1324707). Amaryllis is a french folk song. It is said to be composed by Louis XIII de France (1601-1643). However, the possibility of composeing by Henri Ghys (1839-1908), the piano teacher of the composer Maurice Ravel, is recognized more and more. It was arranged for string quartet by Diau-Hua Lim in 2008. The arrangement is very appealing with pizzicato.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1504108 Composed by English Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Standards,Traditional. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #1079563. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1504108). The 12 Days of Christmas is significant for its cultural and religious implications. This period, also known as Twelvetide, spans from December 25 (Christmas Day) to January 6 (Epiphany), marking the time between the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Magi. Historical ContextThe tradition of the 12 days was formalized by the Council of Tours in 567, which proclaimed this time a sacred season, emphasizing the importance of celebration and reflection during this period. Each day is associated with various saints and religious observances, making it a time of spiritual significance for many Christians.The Carol and Its MeaningThe well-known carol The Twelve Days of Christmas lists a series of increasingly extravagant gifts given on each of the twelve days. Although it is often perceived as a simple festive song, there are theories about its deeper meanings. One popular but debunked theory suggests that the gifts symbolize elements of the Christian faith, serving as a secret catechism for Catholics during times of persecution. However, this interpretation lacks substantial historical evidence and is considered more of a myth than fact. Cultural PracticesCulturally, the 12 Days of Christmas have evolved into various traditions, including gift-giving, feasting, and festive gatherings. In some cultures, gifts are exchanged on January 6, celebrated as Three Kings Day, while others may celebrate throughout twelve days. The carol likely originated as a memory game for children, intended to be fun and engaging rather than a severe religious text. In summary, the 12 Days of Christmas represent a blend of religious significance, historical tradition, and cultural celebration, making it an enduring aspect of the Christmas season.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1489376 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Standards,Traditional. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #1066238. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1489376). Carol of the Bells is a well-known Christmas carol with a rich history rooted in Ukrainian culture. Here are the key points to understand about this iconic piece:Original Composition: The melody of Carol of the Bells is derived from a Ukrainian folk song called Shchedryk, which Mykola Leontovych composed in 1914. Shchedryk, which translates to The Little Swallow, was originally a New Year's song celebrating the arrival of spring and good fortune.Cultural Context: The song's origins are tied to Ukrainian traditions, where it was sung by young girls going door-to-door on New Year's Eve, wishing families prosperity and good luck for the coming year. The swallow in the song symbolizes the arrival of spring and abundance.English Lyrics: In 1936, American composer Peter Wilhousky adapted the melody for Christmas, writing new lyrics that emphasized bells and Christmas cheer themes. This version transformed Shchedryk into Carol of the Bells, quickly gaining popularity in the United States and becoming a staple of Christmas music.Musical Structure: The carol features a distinctive four-note ostinato and is metrically bistable, allowing listeners to perceive the rhythm differently. It is typically arranged in 3/4 time and has a lively and festive feel, contributing to its widespread appeal.Widespread Adaptations: Carol of the Bells has been recorded in over 150 versions across various musical genres, including classical, jazz, rock, and heavy metal. Notable adaptations include those by Mannheim Steamroller and John Williams, which have helped to cement its status as a Christmas classic.Cultural Significance: The song's association with Christmas has overshadowed its Ukrainian roots, leading to a complex relationship with its cultural identity. In recent years, there has been a movement to reclaim Shchedryk as a significant part of Ukrainian heritage, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.Modern Recognition: The song is frequently featured in films, television shows, and holiday concerts, making it a beloved part of the Christmas season. Its ability to evoke joy and nostalgia resonates with audiences worldwide.In summary, Carol of the Bells is not just a Christmas carol but a piece with deep cultural roots and a fascinating history of transformation from a Ukrainian folk song to a global holiday favorite.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1103810 Composed by Frank Zappa. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 20th Century,Chamber,Contemporary,Contest,Festival,Pop. 9 pages. Jmsgu3 #707090. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1103810). Score: 5 pages. Duration: 1:12Frank Zappa was an American composer, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was born on December 21, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland, to his parents Francis and Rosemarie Zappa. His father, Francis, was a chemical engineer, and his mother, Suzy Creamcheese, was a vaudeville actress. Zappa's musical career began in the mid-1960s, when he released his debut album, Freak Out!. He went on to release over 60 albums throughout his career, and he is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. His music blended elements of rock, jazz, classical, and avant-garde music. He was also known for his outspoken political views and his involvement in the fight against censorship. Zappa passed away in 1993 due to prostate cancer, but his music and legacy continue to live on.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1237642 By Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. By Irving Berlin. Arranged by Alex Tinlin. 20th Century,Broadway,Film/TV,Jazz,Musical/Show,Standards. 7 pages. Alex Tinlin #833142. Published by Alex Tinlin (A0.1237642). My arrangement for String Quartet of Irving Berlin's song 'Count your blessings instead of sheep' from the movie 'White Christmas' (1952).

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.970731 Composed by Mike Strand. Contemporary,Jazz,World. Score and parts. 36 pages. Michael M. Strand #4837117. Published by Michael M. Strand (A0.970731). By Mike Strand, ASCAP I wrote this String Quartet in a composition class at the College of William and Mary in 2010.  It is brief and rich with variety, and it involves a technique of mine called fracturing (see note* below).  This causes the dissonance you'll hear in parts of this work.On one occasion, when I felt stressed, I enjoyed listening to Morton Feldman's String Quartet II (1983), which lasts about 6 hours.  This quiet but lovely music soothed and pacified me.  On the other hand, if you want something to energize and alert you in less than 11 minutes, this quartet may be for you --  whenever you acquire a recording of it by some lucky quartet ensemble.  Have a cup of coffee with it, for insurance!In the meantime, enjoy the audio sample, Movement I of my quartet.  This alone may suffice to get you going, in only two and a half minutes. String Quartet - William and Mary:   Four movements, total time 10:45: I. Allegro moderato (2:32) A tango-like dance movement: Preface, Introduction, A, B, A’, C, Coda (two variations). II. Lento (2:44) Counting to twenty in 5-4, 4-4, and 12-8 time. 5-4 time predominates (five groups of four measures each), then 4-4 (two groups of five measures each) and 12-8 (one group of five measures). Throughout there are 72 counts per minute, with quarter notes counted in the 5-4 and 4-4 time signatures, and with dotted quarter notes counted in the 12-8 time signature. The five measures of 12-8 also introduce the theme for movement III.Fun with three different time signatures! III. Allegro (2:11) Variations on a Scottish-like folk tune and fragments of it. One variation is an example of tonal pointillism. The closing measures are an extended coda based on a transformed version of the original tune. IV. Swing (3:18) West Coast swing tempo for the Introduction and Part A; triple swing tempo for Part B.  Note* on the fracturing technique This is my method to produce systematically new types of dissonance and corresponding modifications and resolutions. Fracturing consists of changing pitches in a melody or chord as follows: (a) Decide on the root note position within the staff or line of music. (b) Represent the applicable chord in half-step notation, with the root given the value 0. (c) Alternatively subtract and add a prescribed number of half steps from, and to, each successive number in the annotated chord (except for the root). (d) Use the new fractured annotation to define the new pitches. The actual or implied root of the chord (tonal center) remains unchanged. The resulting new chord or melody is thus related or resolvable to the parent tonal harmony or chord. Fracturing appears mainly in the first and third movements, with spare use in the second and fourth movements.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1081261 Composed by Irwin Kostal, Richard M Sherman, and Robert B Sherman. Arranged by Luis Turina and Nonamé Música. 20th Century,Broadway,Film/TV,Musical/Show,Wedding. Score and parts. 22 pages. Nonamé Música #685399. Published by Nonamé Música (A0.1081261). (Spanish below) Based on the suite A Symphonic Fantasy, we did a conversion with three of the most remembered melodies from Mary Poppins. You have an intro with chim-chim-cheree, followed by feed the birds, but they don't fully develop. After that, A Spoon of Sugar, with the birds part made by the first violin and the second and viola enkoying. The next part is, now complete, Chim-Chim-Cheree, with the melody starting in the cello, and then passing by the rest of instruments from lower to higher. When the second plays the melody, the first plays a counter-theme a little bit tricky. And, in the end, now complete, Feed the Birds, with constant dialogs between the violins. Tested and approved arrangement. All Nonamé arrangements are prepared to avoid page turns if you print the covers properly. Basándonos en la suite A Symphonic Fantasy, hicimos una conversión con tres de las melodías más recordadas de Mary Poppins. Tienes una introducción con chim-chim-cheree, seguida de Pan para los pájaros, pero no se desarrollan por completo. Después, Con un Poco de Azúcar, con la parte de los pájaros hecha por el primer violín y el segundo y la viola disfrutando. La siguiente parte es, ya completa, Chim-Chim-Cheree, con la melodía comenzando en el violoncello, y luego pasando por el resto de instrumentos de más grave a más agudo. Cuando el segundo toca la melodía, el primero tiene un contratema un poco complicado. Y, al final, ya completo, Pan Para los Pájaros, con diálogos constantes entre los violines. ¡Arreglo probado y aprobado! Todos los arreglos de Nonamé están preparados para evitar el paso de página si imprimes las portadas correctamente.

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1024965 Composed by Simon M. Sperl. 20th Century,Contemporary,Sacred,Spiritual. Score and parts. 25 pages. Sperl Publishing #3679831. Published by Sperl Publishing (A0.1024965). Mother Mary is a musical description of a final hike to Butte Montana's statue of the Virgin Mary once the poor no longer require assistance.  After a journey that outlines the struggle for society to care for its most vulnerable, the piece ends with a utopian scene of equality.   .

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.832071 By Kathy Mattea. By Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry. Arranged by Teresa Cobarrubia Yoder, ASCAP. Country. Score and parts. 18 pages. Teresa Cobarrubia Yoder #3376345. Published by Teresa Cobarrubia Yoder (A0.832071). The string quartet arrangement of the contemporary Christmas carol Mary, Did You Know provides students (level 2) the opportunity to enjoy well crafted music for concerts, recitals, prayer services and church/school liturgies.   In an accessible key for the voice, the arrangement beautifully works for a collaborative piece between voice and strings.   Listen:  https://soundcloud.com/teresa-yoder/mary-did-you-know-string Mary, Did You Know? Level: 2 Key: D minor (1 flat) Meter: Simple Quadruple (4/4) Rhythm: Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth and some dotted rhythms and syncopations, ritardando and a tempo Harmony: Blocked and broken chords Dynamics: Varied, crescendo and diminuendo Articulations: Legato, slurs, pizzicato, accents, con sordina (cello) Use: Christmas Conductor’s Score: page 3 Violin I: page 9 Violin II: page 12 Viola: page 14 Cello: page 16 Note on the cover: Photograph by Teresa Cobarrubia Yoder Music available online on Sheet Music Plus. For more information on Teresa Cobarrubia Yoder’s music: https://teresacobarrubiayodermusic.wordpress.com  teresa.cobarrubia.yoder.music@gmail.com

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1240883 By Kathy Mattea. By Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry. Arranged by Eve C. Mailly. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary,Easter,Praise & Worship. 14 pages. Zene Strings #836273. Published by Zene Strings (A0.1240883). Mary, Did You Know? is a Christmas song addressing Mary, mother of Jesus.  The song has become a modern Christmas classic, recorded by hundreds of artists over the years, across multiple genres.  This arrangement is for string quartet, from your friends at Zene Strings -- enjoy!To see our other great arrangements, visit www.ZeneSheetMusic.com.  Questions or comments?  Email us at Music@ZeneSheetMusic.com  -- we're here to help!