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: A0.1366465 By Jaron Khor. By Deng Yuxian. Arranged by Jaron Khor. 19th Century,Chamber,Classical,Folk,Traditional. 12 pages. Jaron Khor #950798. Published by Jaron Khor (A0.1366465). Deng Yuxian (July 21, 1906 - June 11, 1944) was a Taiwanese Hakka composer known for nearly a hundred iconic compositions, including Rainy Night Flowers, Spring Breeze, and Four Seasons Red. He is acclaimed as the Father of Taiwanese Ballads. Born in Taoyuan into a family with a rich history, Deng attended the Taipei Normal School under Japanese rule and later pursued composition studies in Japan.Upon returning to Taiwan, Deng Yuxian created numerous popular songs. In 1940, he left the music industry to become a teacher. Unfortunately, he succumbed to heart and lung disease in 1944 at the age of less than 40. Deng's musical legacy has had a profound impact on the Taiwanese music scene, leaving an indelible mark on its history.Spring Breeze, also known as Desire to the Spring Breeze, is an ancient traditional music piece with roots in a rich and old musical tradition. Known for its millennia-old melody and profound cultural significance, the song typically expresses anticipation for spring and praises the vibrant natural scenery. In this reimagined arrangement, I aimed to depart from traditional arrangement methods, incorporating rich scene paintings and vivid imagery. Each section has been crafted as a musical canvas, seeking to portray imaginative landscapes between the notes. This innovative approach challenges tradition, breathing new life into this ancient piece, making it more resonant with contemporary audiences. This arrangement is not just a reinterpretation of the music but also a tribute to tradition and an exploration of new perspectives. I hope this musical adventure guides you through the intersection of tradition and modernity, allowing Spring Breeze to blossom anew in a fresh narrative of sound, providing you with a wondrous journey for the soul.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1299607 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Greg Birdwell. Christian,Folk,Historic,Praise & Worship,Spiritual. 15 pages. Greg Birdwell #889457. Published by Greg Birdwell (A0.1299607). Down to the River to Pray is a traditional American gospel folk song with deep roots in the Appalachian region. It's characterized by its soulful, a cappella harmonies and simple yet powerful lyrics, often associated with themes of spiritual cleansing and renewal.  This string quartet arrangement allows for the expression of the song's harmonies and evocative melodies, increasing tempo each verse until a dancelike finale. It's a versatile choice for various events and occasions, providing a moving performance that can evoke a sense of spiritual reflection and serenity.

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.929309 Composed by Jose Pacheco (1829). Arranged by Bob Mathews. Celtic,Christmas. Score and parts. 18 pages. Bob Mathews #6136379. Published by Bob Mathews (A0.929309). This is truly a unique carol written in 1829 by Jose Pacheco for Christmas.  He was a master of music at a cathedral in Galicia, a region of Spain that has Celtic roots.  This is a  great little carol. that sounds very much like an Irish jig.  Fun to play and very unique for a Christmas performance.

String Quartet String Quartet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1030368 Composed by Sam Wibowo. 20th Century,Contemporary,Romantic Period. Score and parts. 14 pages. Sam Wibowo #6254985. Published by Sam Wibowo (A0.1030368). Moles is a 4 minute string quartet which roots from two main concepts: (More famously,) Bach’s and Shostakovich’s musical cryptography and Elgar’s enigma. Hence, the name of the work is something to only be understood by the composer. The main harmonic motif comes from SA(MU)E(L) (WI)B(OWO) which then equates to E-flat, A, E-natural and B-flat which enharmonically become notes of two diminished chords. This motific process has also been done for 4 other people, which is to remain unknown. The development and the interaction between each motif represent and symbolise personal stories along with its rhythmic, harmonic, and expressive aspects such as bar numbers, inversions of chosen chords, and expression markings. The harmonic material throughout the work remains unstable, struggling to find functioning consonance. On the other hand, the rhythmic framework remains fairly stable and metrically comfortable, compensating for the instability of the harmonic material. Insight into the first 19 bars: The opening can be seen to canonically imitate, stating the main harmonic motif (E-flat, A, E-natural and B-flat) throughout the 4 string instruments. Each 5 roman numerals introduce each inversion, since 4 more inversions can fit into an octave before completing the cycle. Furthermore this represents the other 4 people in the piece all linking back to me, calming the rhythmic and harmonic variety through the gradual making of the chord: E-flat, E-natural, B-flat and A.  

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1491580 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Holiday,Traditional. 13 pages. Jmsgu3 #1068280. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1491580). Here We Come A-Wassailing is a traditional English Christmas carol with roots that likely extend back to the mid-19th century, if not earlier. The exact authorship of the carol is unknown. The song is associated with the tradition of wassailing, which involves going door-to-door singing in exchange for food and drink. This practice predates Christianity and was part of mid-winter celebrations. The term wassail originates from the Anglo-Saxon greeting waes hael, meaning be in good health. This greeting evolved into a toast, with one person saying was hail and another responding drinc hail while passing around a communal bowl of a drink made from mulled ale or mead, spices, and apples, known as wassail. Wassailing has two primary forms: one that occurs post-Christmas, often associated with Twelfth Night, and another that takes place before Christmas. The latter involves singing carols and sharing wassail from a bowl. At the same time, the former includes rituals to encourage fertility in orchards, such as singing to trees and offering cider-soaked toast. The carol Here We Come A-Wassailing has several variations, including Here We Come A-Caroling and Here We Come A-Christmasing, each with different lyrics but similar themes of merriment and well-wishing for the New Year.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.839019 By Taylor Swift. By Max Martin, Shellback, and Taylor Swift. Arranged by Kenneth Martin. Pop. 28 pages. Martin Music Editions #5711277. Published by Martin Music Editions (A0.839019). Calling all Swifties to embrace the harmonious fusion of Taylor Swift's iconic country essence and the spirited charm of bluegrass in the arrangement of her 2017 hit Delicate. This exceptional arrangement, tailored for advanced string quartets, is a musical gem that pays homage to Taylor's roots while adding a delightful touch of bluegrass flair.Prepare to be swept away as the strings come alive with the familiar melody of Delicate, now infused with the rustic twang of country strings and the lively energy of bluegrass. The arrangement's carefully crafted score and parts ensure that each instrument within the quartet shines, blending seamlessly to recreate the magic of Taylor Swift's hit in a fresh and captivating way.For all the dedicated Taylor Swift fans out there, this arrangement is a tribute that captures the heart of her music, allowing you to revel in her artistry while experiencing the joy of string music at its finest. The quartet's advanced level ensures that the nuances of the original song are intricately woven into the arrangement, guaranteeing a performance that is both a nod to the past and a celebration of the present.Whether you're a seasoned musician or a devoted Taylor Swift aficionado, this arrangement beckons you to join the quartet in a harmonious journey that transcends genres and evokes a sense of nostalgia. Let the strings carry you through the enchanting blend of country and bluegrass, and allow the melodies of Delicate to resonate in a way that's both familiar and refreshingly new.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1038609 Composed by Jerry Fealofani Afemata, Peter Anthony Morgan, and Roy Morgan. Arranged by Sarah Cellobat Chaffee. Contemporary,Multicultural,Wedding,World. 22 pages. Sarah Cellobat Chaffee #643584. Published by Sarah Cellobat Chaffee (A0.1038609). It's impossible to be in a bad mood when you're listening to Hawaiian reggae! Sunshine Girl is a cheerful feel-good collaboration by Jerry Afemata (J Boog), a California-raised singer of Samoan heritage, and Jamaican roots-reggae artist Peetah Morgan. With its joyful feel and lyrics describing the perfect woman (she's a sunshine girl, lighting up my world), this song will be perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions, proposals, cocktail hour, or any other occasion you need to get your audience dancing! Rated intermediate; this will be playable for students and sightreadable for professionals. Sarah “Cellobat� Chaffee is an in-demand acoustic & electric cellist and string arranger. Currently, she performs with legendary rock band Aerosmith in their “Deuces Are Wild� residency show, and she is the principal cellist for the Raiders House Band, playing for a crowd of 60,000 at all of the team's home games. She also plays with many other groups including Premiere Wedding Music, Bella Electric Strings, the Femmes Of Rock, and David Perrico’s Pop Strings Orchestra. Sarah has performed and recorded with numerous other artists including Disturbed, Mötley Crüe, Celine Dion, Halsey, Michael Bublé, Sarah Brightman, and Lady A. She is the exclusive arranger for a number of award-winning wedding and event companies all across the United States, including Premiere Wedding Music, Las Vegas Music Oasis, and Impulse Strings, and she has created custom arrangements for many other ensembles all over the world. You can find her at:http://www.cellobat.comhttp://www.instagram.com/cellobathttps://www.youtube.com/@Cellobat.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1500348 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Holiday,Traditional. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #1076427. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1500348). O Christmas Tree, originally known as O Tannenbaum, is a significant holiday carol with deep cultural and historical roots. Here are some key points regarding its importance: Origins and EvolutionGerman Roots: The carol originated in Germany, where O Tannenbaum was a traditional folk song that celebrated the fir tree's beauty and symbolized faithfulness and endurance. The melody dates back to the 16th century, and the modern lyrics were adapted by German composer Ernst Anschütz in 1824.Cultural Adaptation: In the 19th century, the song transitioned into English as O Christmas Tree, aligning with the growing Christmas tree tradition in Western cultures, particularly in the UK and the US. This adaptation reflects the broader cultural exchange and the incorporation of German customs into English-speaking Christmas celebrations.SymbolismEvergreen Significance: The lyrics of O Christmas Tree emphasize the tree's evergreen nature, which serves as a metaphor for reliability and hope. The fir tree is celebrated for its beauty and ability to remain vibrant throughout the seasons, symbolizing steadfastness and renewal.Christmas Tradition: The song has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations, marking the festive season for many families. It encapsulates the joy and warmth associated with decorating Christmas trees, a practice that has become a worldwide central aspect of holiday traditions.Musical and Cultural ImpactWidespread Popularity: O Christmas Tree is one of the most recognized Christmas carols, performed in various versions across different cultures. Its melody and themes resonate with audiences, making it a staple in holiday music repertoires.Educational Value: The carol serves as an educational tool, introducing children to concepts of cultural heritage, music history, and the significance of seasonal traditions. It allows for discussions about the evolution of holiday practices and the blending of cultural influences.In summary, O Christmas Tree is important as a beloved holiday song and a cultural artifact that reflects historical traditions, symbolism, and the spirit of Christmas.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1510819 Composed by James Pierpont. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. 19th Century,Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Traditional. 10 pages. Jmsgu3 #1086025. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1510819). Jingle Bells is a song with a rich and somewhat controversial history, making it an essential piece of American musical culture. Here are some key points about its significance: Origins and EvolutionInitial Composition: Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857, the song was initially titled One Horse Open Sleigh. It was conceived as a lively tune celebrating sleigh rides, inspired by the famous sleigh races of the time, particularly in Medford, Massachusetts.Thanksgiving RootsInterestingly, Jingle Bells was initially intended as a Thanksgiving song and did not mention Christmas in its original lyrics. Its association with Christmas developed later when it was performed during holiday celebrations.Cultural ImpactGlobal Popularity: Over the years, Jingle Bells has become one of the most recognized and performed secular holiday songs worldwide. It is frequently sung during Christmas festivities and has been recorded by numerous artists, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and even The Beatles.First Song in Space: The song gained an unusual distinction as the first tune broadcast from space when astronauts played it on harmonica aboard Gemini 6 in December 1965, adding to its cultural lore.Controversial AspectsMinstrel Show Roots: The song's first public performance was at a minstrel show, which has led to discussions about its origins and the implications of its performance context. This aspect has sparked debate about whether the song should continue to be part of children's repertoires in schools today.Pierpont's Life: Pierpont himself had a complicated life; he was a widower who moved to Georgia after abandoning his children in Boston and later became involved with the Confederacy during the Civil War. His life experiences have colored interpretations of his work and its legacy.ConclusionDespite its controversial past, Jingle Bells remains a beloved holiday classic. Its catchy melody and festive spirit resonate with audiences worldwide, making it an enduring symbol of holiday cheer.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1489096 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Holiday,Standards,Traditional. 22 pages. Jmsgu3 #1065943. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1489096). Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (French: Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle) is a traditional Christmas carol originating from the Provence region of France. The carol dates back to the 17th century. It is associated with the tradition of children in Provence dressing as shepherds and milkmaids, carrying torches and candles to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve while singing the carol. The Carol tells the story of two milkmaids, Jeannette and Isabella, who discover the baby Jesus in a stable and run to inform the villagers, urging them to come quietly not to disturb the sleeping child. The song's melody is believed to have originated as a lively dance tune from as early as the 14th century, and French composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier later adapted it for a drinking song. The lyrics were first associated with this melody in a collection of French carols in 1901, transcribed by Julien Tiersot. Edward Cuthbert Nunn made the most popular English adaptation in the late 19th century. Despite its historical roots and charming melody, Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella is considered one of the lesser-known carols outside of France. Still, it remains a beloved part of Christmas celebrations in the Provence region.