SKU: A0.814625

John Coltrane - Giant Steps - arranged for strings quartet
arranged by Orlan Charles
orlandagaita@gmail.com
Instagram: @orlancharles.

SKU: A0.949681

1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back by Olivia Rodrigo. Arranged for string quartet. This edition includes the full score plus individual parts.

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SKU: S9.Q7119

What do Beethoven and the children's song Fuchs Du hast die Gans gestohlen have in common? Nothing, strictly speaking. Although the song was written as early as 1824 (and theoretically, Beethoven could have known it), it has not left deep marks on his oeuvre. But what if he had known it? Wolfgang Birtel pursued this question and, in reply to it, conceived a symphony for string quartet: behind each movement is an original symphony by Beethoven (spiced with quotes from other works). The children's song appears as the main theme in the final movement of Symphony No. 1, in the famous funeral march of Eroica, fate knocks at the door (of the goose house) in remembrance of Symphony No. 5, and the work ends with Ode to the Roast Goose (Symphony No. 9). A funny and cleverly arranged collage, a performing and listening pleasure in the footsteps of Beethoven.

SKU: A0.938387

This work was written in 1999 for an international competition for quartets reflecting in music the visions in three of Edvard Munch's paintings. It is dedicated to the composer's wife, Rayna. 1. The Scream - Moderato - There are 51 versions of The Scream and the movement is in 51 sections grouped roughly into sonata form. The development is largely textural, and the movement hinges about a chord formed of open fifths a major third apart which will also re-appear in the other movements to give the quartet its sense of unity. The screaming is both audible and silent, and the footsteps on the bridge are portrayed both in a sense of passing by and also of running away. 2. Melancholy - Andante - Munch gave other titles to this painting, namely Jappe by the Shore and Jealousy . As jealousy and melancholy are retrospective emotions, tonal and modal music is employed, using the Norwegian folk song Millom bakkar og berg ut met havet set in a minor key for the first section. The A-B-A form then partially loses tonality for Jealousy, while returning to it for Melancholy itself. 3. The Dance of Life - Allegro - This movement is in rondo form, with hints of Norwegian country dances for the dancers in the painting. The two women are portrayed as one looking nostalgically to the light-heartedness of the old waltz and the other brooding on the darkness and latent sexuality of the new tango, the melodies for both of which are also corruptions of the country dances. The Munch chord alters the perspective on the scene as the movement progresses and eventually dissolves at the end as though the onlooker is passing on to another, equally unresolved future. The Score and Parts are available on this site as separate downloads The sound sample is the second movement - performed by the Lochrian Ensemble The complete 6 string quartets performed by the Lochrian Ensemble are available on itunes: see: http://www.dwsolo.com/colinbayliss/.

SKU: A0.938388

This work was written in 1999 for an international competition for quartets reflecting in music the visions in three of Edvard Munch's paintings. It is dedicated to the composer's wife, Rayna. 1. The Scream - Moderato - There are 51 versions of The Scream and the movement is in 51 sections grouped roughly into sonata form. The development is largely textural, and the movement hinges about a chord formed of open fifths a major third apart which will also re-appear in the other movements to give the quartet its sense of unity. The screaming is both audible and silent, and the footsteps on the bridge are portrayed both in a sense of passing by and also of running away. 2. Melancholy - Andante - Munch gave other titles to this painting, namely Jappe by the Shore and Jealousy . As jealousy and melancholy are retrospective emotions, tonal and modal music is employed, using the Norwegian folk song Millom bakkar og berg ut met havet set in a minor key for the first section. The A-B-A form then partially loses tonality for Jealousy, while returning to it for Melancholy itself. 3. The Dance of Life - Allegro - This movement is in rondo form, with hints of Norwegian country dances for the dancers in the painting. The two women are portrayed as one looking nostalgically to the light-heartedness of the old waltz and the other brooding on the darkness and latent sexuality of the new tango, the melodies for both of which are also corruptions of the country dances. The Munch chord alters the perspective on the scene as the movement progresses and eventually dissolves at the end as though the onlooker is passing on to another, equally unresolved future. The Score and Parts are available on this site as separate downloads The sound sample is the second movement - performed by the Lochrian Ensemble The complete 6 string quartets performed by the Lochrian Ensemble are available on itunes: see: http://www.dwsolo.com/colinbayliss/.

SKU: A0.1376321

This score is an arrangement for piano, violin I and II, viola, cello, bass with optional drums.

Backstory: 
Years ago I wrote a simple piano piece for my students. As instrumental music can fully exist outside the confines of words, it can be difficult to find the right title for something that is pure sound and possibility. I took inspiration from the time of year in which I had composed it and stamped it, “Almost May�. Like springtime in the Northern Hemisphere, “Almost May� unfolds slowly and majestically, with ever-evolving layers for the senses to discover. 

What to listen for: Theme

The main theme is first presented by the piano with minimal fanfare. This part was written to be easy enough for a child, which despite being sparing of notes, delivers rich harmonic content. Every note has been carefully curated for the optimal combination of accessibility and depth. Weaving chromatically into distantly-related keys, the melody takes small steps into contrasting musical spaces. In a wordless procession, the storyline plays out, as if the theme discovers that someone very different lives next door, and they slowly become inseparable. The piano is accompanied by an airy touch of brushes against a snare drum, like the pitter patter of soft feline steps. In the low frequency range, the upright bass supports and deepens the tonal palette with its earthy underpinnings. 

What to listen for: Variation I 
The unmistakable string section arrives like a breath of warm air. Lush, warm and reassuring like sunshine on your cheeks, the string parts begin with long tones. This broadness and stability will evolve into more layers of complexity throughout the section. While the role of the string section is background accompaniment, it undergoes textural changes which allow for some layers to briefly rise to the forefront as melody. Careful listening to the string parts will reveal an oceanic churning, a motion from background to foreground with expansions and contractions along the way. Floating overtop this density is the improvised piano solo, with ascending gestures that progress in detail and density. Each instrument enters a general unfolding and growth period in the first variation. The bass and drums include more fills than before, as the ensemble tends gradually toward more grandeur. 

What to listen for: Variation II 

The final variation opens with a decadent treatment of the melody. What was initially expressed by a soloist as a childlike plea is reimagined as a two-part conversation between the piano and lead viola. The obbligato voiced in the viola is a derivation of the melody that holds the space between phrases so the listener's attention is passed seamlessly between the piano and viola part. This dialogue features commentary on the original melody in the form of ornamentation and taking surprising pathways to expected destinations. The rhythm section (bass and drums) takes more liberties in creating a verdant soundscape as the ensemble rises to a final climax. 

Credits: 
I would like to thank Cole Canaday for the nuance, imagination and depth of understanding with which he brought this piece to life. I would also like to thank Blake Hamilton and Anastace for providing invaluable audio engineering feedback.

SKU: A0.1230498

Beethoven's Ode to Joy for String Quartet.
Arranged in C Major for String Quartet.
Easy sheet music for String Quartet.
This song is available in other keys.

Unleash your musical talents with Ludwing van Beethoven's Ode to Joy sheet music.
Are you ready to start this journey? this is a very easy arrangement of the song Ode to Joy by Ludwing van Beethoven for you to take your first steps on the violin, viola, flute or any other instrument that makes you inspired and happy. With clear, easy-to-read notes, our sheet music is perfect for all classical music enthusiasts.
If you want to sing or play in a group I also have very easy arrangements available for quartet, choir. Choose a score invite your friends to form a group and make this day even happier.

SKU: A0.1230508

Beethoven's Ode to Joy for String Quartet.
Arranged in G Major for String Quartet.
Easy sheet music for String Quartet.
This song is available in other keys.

Unleash your musical talents with Ludwing van Beethoven's Ode to Joy sheet music.
Are you ready to start this journey? this is a very easy arrangement of the song Ode to Joy by Ludwing van Beethoven for you to take your first steps on the violin, viola, flute or any other instrument that makes you inspired and happy. With clear, easy-to-read notes, our sheet music is perfect for all classical music enthusiasts.
If you want to sing or play in a group I also have very easy arrangements available for quartet, choir. Choose a score invite your friends to form a group and make this day even happier.

SKU: A0.1514771

A selection of popular Social Dances in common use during the 18th and 19th Centuries, perfect for bringing a bit of a Costume Drama/Bridgerton vibe to your evening or event. The tunes have been arranged for String Quartet, and repeats have been added, as if they will be used for dancing. 

Contents (the tunes are often known under several different names):
1) Trad.: The Comical Fellow 
2) Purcell: The Virtuous Wife/The Dutch Skipper
3) Anon: Flirtation/Le Cor de Chasse
4) Anon: La Riswic (from The Gautier Collection)
5) Trad.: Le Pistolet/Smith's Rant/May Day

These were all premiered at a weekend of costume balls in March 2024, where they were used for dancing: dance instructors taught the participants the dances, and the floor was then filled with dancers, with a caller helping with the steps.

However, the arrangements work equally well as background music, to give the atmosphere of an 18th/19th Century ballroom to any event.

We hope that you'll be enjoying these arrangements and thank you for your interest.

SKU: A0.1332086

Introducing a joyful musical arrangement that will have everyone singing and ringing in the holiday cheer—Jingle Bells like you've never heard it before! This specially crafted arrangement is tailor-made for beginners, ensuring that even those taking their first steps in music can join in the festive fun.

With easy-to-follow notation and a simplified yet vibrant arrangement, this rendition of Jingle Bells is perfect for young musicians, music students, or anyone looking to add a sprinkle of holiday magic to their repertoire. The familiar melody of this classic tune is brought to life with a playful ensemble of instruments, making it a delightful experience for both performers and listeners alike.

Whether you're a music teacher searching for a crowd-pleaser for your beginner ensemble or an aspiring musician eager to share the holiday spirit, this arrangement of Jingle Bells is the perfect choice. Capture the essence of the season, spread smiles, and create lasting memories with this beginner-level musical gem.

Don't miss the chance to make your holiday celebrations even brighter. Get ready to jingle all the way with this festive and accessible arrangement of Jingle Bells!

SKU: 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.

SKU: A0.1230506

Beethoven's Ode to Joy for String Quartet.
Arranged in F Major for String Quartet.
Easy sheet music for String Quartet.
This song is available in other keys.

Unleash your musical talents with Ludwing van Beethoven's Ode to Joy sheet music.
Are you ready to start this journey? this is a very easy arrangement of the song Ode to Joy by Ludwing van Beethoven for you to take your first steps on the violin, viola, flute or any other instrument that makes you inspired and happy. With clear, easy-to-read notes, our sheet music is perfect for all classical music enthusiasts.
If you want to sing or play in a group I also have very easy arrangements available for quartet, choir. Choose a score invite your friends to form a group and make this day even happier.