String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1491194 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Holiday,Traditional. 20 pages. Jmsgu3 #1067931. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1491194). Good King Wenceslas is a well-known Christmas carol that narrates the story of a kind-hearted ruler who braves winter weather to help a poor peasant. The carol is inspired by the historical figure of Saint Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia, who lived from approximately 907 to 935 AD. Although he is referred to as a king in the carol, he was a duke during his lifetime; the title of king was conferred upon him posthumously by Holy Roman Emperor Otto I.Historical ContextWenceslas was born into a Christian family and raised primarily by his grandmother, Ludmila, who significantly influenced his faith. His mother, Drahomíra, was aligned with paganism and ultimately had Ludmila murdered to gain power. Upon becoming Duke at 18, Wenceslas sought to promote Christianity and was known for his charitable acts, especially towards the poor and marginalized. His reign was marked by efforts to end religious conflicts and to build churches, including part of what is now St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. However, his commitment to Christianity and his benevolent nature made him a target for his jealous younger brother, Boleslav, who ultimately conspired to murder him in 929 or 935 AD.The CarolThe carol Good King Wenceslas was written in 1853 by English hymn-writer John Mason Neale, set to a melody from a 13th-century spring carol. It was designed to encourage Christian charity, particularly during Christmas, and is traditionally sung on the Feast of Stephen, December 26. The lyrics depict Wenceslas and his page witnessing a poor man gathering firewood and deciding to help him by bringing food and supplies. This story reflects the historical Wenceslas's reputation for generosity and compassion, which has led to his veneration as a saint and the patron saint of the Czech Republic. His legacy is celebrated in the Czech Republic, where he is known as Václav, and he is commemorated on September 28, known as St. Wenceslas Day.Cultural SignificanceThe carol has become a staple of Christmas music in the English-speaking world, performed by various artists and choirs. It serves not only as a festive song but also as a reminder of the values of charity and kindness, echoing the life and virtues of the historical Wenceslas.

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.778049 Composed by John David. Arranged by Jen Mathers. 20th Century,Pop,Praise & Worship. Score and parts. 4 pages. Jen Mathers #5790833. Published by Jen Mathers (A0.778049). Arranged for standard string quartet (NOTE: the audio and video samples are performed by a cellist covering all violin, viola, and cello parts, but the voicing/octaves are identical to the string quartet arrangement). This choral work was originally written by John David for the band Airwaves in 1978. It was later arranged by Peter Knight and recorded by the King's Singers. This transcription for strings follows the very popular King's Singers version. The song is about 2 1/2 minutes long, and easy to read for all string parts. Doublestops could be skipped for beginning players. Bowings are included to facilitate uniform ensemble playing. It is a secular song but is often used by church choirs. It is a lovely ensemble piece when played by string quartet, and can be used for weddings, memorial services, or any occasion requiring hopeful or somber music. According to the composer: The inspiration for New Day was quite simple; I had just had a major blow in my personal life, and was sitting alone late at night on the settee feeling very low, and watching an ominous story on the news about the very real possibility of nuclear war. I started singing to the (hopefully) soon-to arrive New Day like it was an entity, that would rescue me from the depths. If the sun came up and the birds started singing as usual then I could believe that it really was the new day in which life would go on, and in which hope would survive.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1255346 Composed by Geistliche Kirchengesänge (Köln, 1623). Arranged by Jonathan Hall. Chamber,Christian,Praise & Worship,Sacred,Wedding. 30 pages. Jonathan Hall Press #848861. Published by Jonathan Hall Press (A0.1255346). A hymn prelude plus the standard hymn with an optional slightly altered last verse. Can be used alone or to accompany a choir or congregation. Score and parts are provided in both E♭ and D, as they are found in all major hymnals. A whole note is used in measure 6 where many hymnals have a fermata, following standard practice. The tune Lasst uns erfreuen has been paired with the texts “All Creatures of Our God and King,� “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones,� and “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds,� among others. It is frequently used at weddings and Easter. Jonathan Hall Press (http://jonathanhallpress.wordpress.com) publishes high-quality arrangements for string chamber ensembles meant primarily for advanced players and professionals. Send suggestions and arrangement requests to jonathanhallpress@gmail.com.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1502478 Composed by Cecil Frances Alexander. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 19th Century,Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Traditional. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #1078262. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1502478). Once in Royal David's City is an essential and beloved Christmas carol for several reasons:Historical significance: The hymn was written in 1848 by Cecil Frances Alexander as part of a collection called Hymns for Little Children. The traditional opening of a famous service: Since 1919, this carol has been prominent as the opening processional hymn for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, held on Christmas Eve at King's College Chapel, Cambridge. The BBC World Service and American Public Media broadcast this service worldwide, giving the hymn global exposure.Unique performance tradition: At King's College, the first verse is traditionally sung as a solo by a boy chorister, chosen by the choirmaster just moments before the service begins. This adds an element of anticipation and showcases young talent.Theological content: The hymn tells the story of Christ's birth and childhood, emphasizing His divinity and humanity. It connects the nativity story to broader Christian theology, making it both a narrative and a teaching tool.Musical qualities: The tune IRBY, composed by Henry John Gauntlett, is widely regarded as beautiful and memorable. Despite its relative simplicity, it has been praised for its intimate scale and inspired melody.Widespread use: Beyond its famous use at King's College, the hymn has become popular in churches of various denominations worldwide, especially during Christmas services.Cultural impact: The hymn has become deeply associated with Christmas in many English-speaking countries, evoking nostalgia and religious sentiment for many listeners. In essence, Once in Royal David's City is essential not just for its content but for its role in Christmas traditions, its educational value, and its ability to connect people to the holiday's religious aspects through music.

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.736022 Composed by Andrew Middleton. 20th Century,Christian,Contemporary. Score and parts. 12 pages. Andrew Middleton #6072559. Published by Andrew Middleton (A0.736022). The origins of this piece started as a choral piece for two SATB choirs inspired by the rich harmonies and static movement of the works of Ärvo Pärt and Eric Whittaker.The text used was adapted from Ephesians 4:4-6, and the theme of unity felt more appropriate than ever since it was composed during the Covid19 Lockdown. Whilst the quartet moves together for the most part, promoting the sense of the unity, the ambiguous dynamic markings all for the individual parts to be heard. For more updates on new arrangements follow my Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/a.middletonmusic/ Or subscribe to my Youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCClIYqddA2wMpdaxSq3BKEw?view_as=subscriber

String Quartet Cello,Double Bass,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1174146 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Classical,Instructional,March,Opera,Romantic Period. 12 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #774311. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1174146). This arrangement adapted for string ensemble was written keeping the characteristics of the original work, that is, inspiring and significant to the already known choral symphony by Beethoven, indicated to be performed by young music students, who want to enter the symphonic music, moreover, it can also be used by professional musicians, for recitals, repertoire, academic presentations and didactic material. As much as it is a funeral march, it is well suited for any musical performance occasion. The transcription is faithful to the structure, with only one change in key, so that it is comfortable for all instruments in the formation, thus maintaining the essence of the striking melody, as well as using it for ensemble practice among musicians of different traditions.Beethoven's Ninth Symphony Op. 125 incorporates part of the poem An die Freude (To Joy), a hymn written by Friedrich Schiller, with the text sung by soloists and a choir in its last movement. It was the first example of a major composer using the human voice as prominently as the instruments in a symphony, thus creating a far-reaching work that set the tone for the symphonic form that was to be adopted by Romantic composers. This is the last complete symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. The choral symphony, better known as the Ninth Symphony or The Ninth, is one of the best known works in the Western repertoire, considered both an icon and predecessor of Romantic music, and one of Beethoven's great masterpieces, where it was first performed on May 7, 1824, the same year it was completed, at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna, Austria. The conductor was Michael Umlauf, the theater's music director, and Beethoven - dissuaded from conducting by the advanced stage of his deafness - was given a special place on the stage next to the conductor. It was later rearranged by Herbert von Karajan to become the anthem of the European Union in 1972, the national anthem of Rhodesia from 1974 until 1979, Rise, O Voices of Rhodesia, used the tune Ode to Joy..

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1174140 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Classical,Instructional,March,Opera,Romantic Period. 12 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #774304. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1174140). This arrangement adapted for string quartet was written keeping the characteristics of the original work, that is, inspiring and significant to the already known choral symphony by Beethoven, indicated to be performed by young music students, who want to enter the symphonic music, moreover, it can also be used by professional musicians, for recitals, repertoire, academic presentations and didactic material. As much as it is a funeral march, it is well suited for any musical performance occasion. The transcription is faithful to the structure, with only one change in key, so that it is comfortable for all instruments in the formation, thus maintaining the essence of the striking melody, as well as using it for ensemble practice among musicians of different traditions.Beethoven's Ninth Symphony Op. 125 incorporates part of the poem An die Freude (To Joy), a hymn written by Friedrich Schiller, with the text sung by soloists and a choir in its last movement. It was the first example of a major composer using the human voice as prominently as the instruments in a symphony, thus creating a far-reaching work that set the tone for the symphonic form that was to be adopted by Romantic composers. This is the last complete symphony composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. The choral symphony, better known as the Ninth Symphony or The Ninth, is one of the best known works in the Western repertoire, considered both an icon and predecessor of Romantic music, and one of Beethoven's great masterpieces, where it was first performed on May 7, 1824, the same year it was completed, at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna, Austria. The conductor was Michael Umlauf, the theater's music director, and Beethoven - dissuaded from conducting by the advanced stage of his deafness - was given a special place on the stage next to the conductor. It was later rearranged by Herbert von Karajan to become the anthem of the European Union in 1972, the national anthem of Rhodesia from 1974 until 1979, Rise, O Voices of Rhodesia, used the tune Ode to Joy..

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1324702 By Sam Smith. By James Napier, Jeff Lynne, Sam Smith, Tom Petty, and William Edward Phillips. Arranged by James Widden. 21st Century,Pop,Singer/Songwriter,Soul,Wedding. 7 pages. James Widden #912909. Published by James Widden (A0.1324702). From Sam Smith's debut album, this is Sam Smith's most successful single, peaking at No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the US, and winning the Grammy for Song of the Year in 2014.  A ballad that is a heartfelt plea to the singer's lover, with Smith singing all the parts including every part on the 'gospel choir' backing!

Composed by Various. Arranged by Colin Kirkpatrick. Christian, General Worship, Easter. Piano Reduction, Score, Set of Parts. 81 pages. Published by Colin Kirkpatrick Publications (S0.304855). - Piano Reduction,Score,Set of Parts - Christian,General Worship,Easter - Colin Kirkpatrick Publications