String Quartet String Quartet - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.800204
By Dave Koz & Kelly Sweet. By Irving Berlin. Arranged by Samantha J Bramley - stringspirational@gmail.com. Jazz. Score and parts. 10 pages. Samantha Bramley #3878681. Published by Samantha Bramley (A0.800204).
The Holiday Season can be really painful for lower string players in any ensemble. Playing ‘cello in a Carol concert makes me want to cry. That is why I have created arrangements of classic Christmas Carols and Songs guaranteed not to bore the pants off your violist or ‘cellist. No more bashing out bass notes for the ‘cello, and no more chugging away on the off-beat for viola while the fiddles get soaring melody after soaring counter-melody. We deserve more than this, right guys? You got it!
This arrangement of 'White Christmas’ for string quartet stays true to the spirit of the original Bing Crosby version with respect both melody and harmony. Beginning with those unmistakeable 4 chords in the upper strings, the ‘cello takes the majority of the vocal line, but all three other parts are also given a chance to shine with melody, counter melody and harmony by turns. With high positions in both violin parts and up to 4th position plus harmonics for the lower strings, the challenge in this arrangement is found in the technical and musical interpretation of this iconic song, and is a great play for ensembles of advanced intermediate standard.
Note from the arranger: All my arrangements for strings are conceived specifically with the aim of writing interesting parts for all players. Most parts do not go beyond 4th position (with the exception of a few harmonics in the lower string parts, and some higher positions in the violin parts), making them suitable for advanced student and mixed ability groups. A complete score and set of individual parts (violin 1, violin 2, viola, ‘cello) is included. Enjoy and feel free to email comments or requests for other works to stringspirational@gmail.com
