String Quartet String Quartet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.836707 Composed by Brian Joyce. Christmas,Contemporary. Score and parts. 67 pages. Brian Joyce #3226073. Published by Brian Joyce (A0.836707). What’s Christmas without a few toys? Here is a new suite of older carols for string quartet in which each musician is required to play a wee bit of percussion in addition to his or her real instrument. The potential for entertaining visual theater is nearly as high as the potential for mishap. (If all goes according to plan, nothing should actually go airborne.)This is something of a sequel to my earlier Christmas quartet And Therefore Be Merry, which has never been out of print since it was first published over twenty years ago. But where that work was a continuous medley, this is a set of independent and more fully developed movements, each able to stand on its own. As mentioned above, each member of the quartet is responsible for a small item of percussion. These are all things which could readily be found in a local school band room: a triangle, a tambourine, a suspended cymbal - played with a soft (yarn) stick - and a small frame drum, played with the bare hand. These are all earlier, earthier carols than what one typically finds on the radio or playing over the speakers at the mall. They include Gloucestershire Wassail, Riu Riu Chiu, Angelus ad Virginem, The Sans Day Carol, The Wexford Carol, and Masters in This Hall. Being perhaps less familiar, they bring a welcome respite from the overworked seasonal fare we all hear a bit too much of each year. They speak of simpler times, and of a far less frantic approach to Christmas. These fresh and inventive arrangements will make a useful addition to a quartet’s repertoire, provided the players have the requisite spirit of adventure. Score and Parts total 67 pages. Performance time is about 14 minutes.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1348050 By Casting Crowns. By Mark Hall and Matt Maher. Arranged by Jeff Tincher. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary,Holiday,Sacred. 12 pages. Jeff Tincher #932864. Published by Jeff Tincher (A0.1348050). Here is a beautiful Contemporary Christian song by Casting Crowns. In the original key from their It's Finally Christmas EP. Although this song appears on a Christmas EP, I believe it can be used year round. Duration = 4:35. Visit my websites: https://jtp.spread.name/, https://jefftincher.wixsite.com/music, https://www.facebook.com/jefftincherpublishing/.

String Quartet Cello,Double Bass,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1173852 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Arranged by Ander. Christmas,Classical,Instructional,March,Romantic Period. 12 pages. Woods Only, Arrangements #774005. Published by Woods Only, Arrangements (A0.1173852). This arrangement adapted for string ensemble was designed to make its listeners weep with emotion, because the adaptation preserves the original essence of the work, keeping its integrity faithful to what Beethoven wanted to transmit, with only a slight change in tone and addition of harmonic resources in the structure of the arrangement. Even though it is a funeral march, it is well suited for any musical performance occasion, being intended for beginner students who want to immerse themselves in the universe of romantic music, and nothing better than starting with the transitional composer of this period, which also does not prevent professional teachers from using it for recitals, academic presentations or didactic material in their classes as an ensemble practice.Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C minor sharp, Op. 27, No. 2, is one of his most popular compositions and was an audience favorite even in his day. Written when Beethoven was 31, the Moonlight Sonata (Mondscheinsonate in German) was composed after he finished some commissioned works, but there is no evidence that he was hired to write this work. It did not receive its nickname until 1832, five years after Beethoven's death. It was the critic Ludwig Rellstab who compared the music to a moonlighting on Lake Lucerne. This comparison was adopted as a nickname for the work. Called Quasi una fantasia by the author - like its companion Op. 27, No. 1 - the piece was completed in 1801 and dedicated the following year to one of the composer's pupils. Beethoven chose to open the sonata with a slow, hypnotic arpeggio movement, the best known of the entire work. The dotted rhythm of its minimal melody evokes the tradition of 'Trauermusik' (funeral music).

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1490683 Composed by French Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Standards,Traditional. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #1067489. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1490683). Ding Dong! Merrily on High is a well-loved Christmas carol with a rich history that connects secular and sacred traditions. Here are the key points to know about this festive song:Origins and CompositionMelody: The tune of Ding Dong! Merrily on High derives from a secular French dance song titled Branle de l’Official, published in 1588 by Thoinot Arbeau, a French cleric and composer. The original piece was part of a collection that included dance instructions and melodies from the Renaissance period.Lyrics: The English lyrics were written by George Ratcliffe Woodward in the early 20th century. An Anglican priest, Woodward published the carol in 1924 as part of The Cambridge Carol Book. His text celebrates the joy of Christmas, echoing the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth as described in Luke 2:13-14.Themes and SignificanceJoyful Celebration: The lyrics express a jubilant celebration of the Christmas season, invoking imagery of bells ringing and angels singing. The refrain Gloria, hosannah in excelsis! reflects the joyous proclamation of peace and goodwill associated with the birth of Christ.Cultural Impact: Over the years, Ding Dong! Merrily on High has become a staple in Christmas caroling and church services, appreciated for its lively and dance-like rhythm. Its playful nature makes it a favorite among singers and listeners, contributing to its enduring popularity during the holiday season.Musical CharacteristicsStructure: The carol features a catchy refrain and a structure that invites participation, making it suitable for group singing. The melody's ascending lines mimic the sound of ringing bells, enhancing its festive spirit.Public Domain Status: As of January 1, 2020, the song entered the public domain in the United States, allowing for broader access and use in various musical arrangements and performances.Ding Dong! Merrily on High stands as a joyful reminder of the Christmas story, blending historical melodies with contemporary celebration, making it a cherished part of holiday traditions.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1491680 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Holiday,Traditional. 14 pages. Jmsgu3 #1068354. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1491680). I Saw Three Ships is a traditional English Christmas carol that has gained popularity for its melodic simplicity and festive themes. Here are some key points about its significance:Historical ContextOrigins: The earliest known printed version of I Saw Three Ships dates back to the 17th century, with a notable publication by William Sandys in 1833. The song was likely known earlier under As I Sat On a Sunny Bank, particularly popular in Cornwall.Cultural Relevance: The carol reflects a period when maritime themes were prominent in English culture, coinciding with the Age of Exploration. This context made the imagery of ships particularly resonant for audiences of the time.Symbolism and InterpretationThe Ships: The lyrics describe three ships arriving on Christmas Day, which has led to various interpretations. One common belief is that the ships symbolize the three vessels that carried the relics of the Magi to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century. Alternatively, they may represent the camels used by the Magi, often referred to as ships of the desert due to their role in transporting the wise men to Bethlehem.Bethlehem's Geography: The song mentions ships sailing into Bethlehem, which raises questions, as the nearest body of water is the Dead Sea, about 20 miles away. This discrepancy has prompted interpretations that focus on the symbolic rather than literal meaning of the ships.Musical LegacyPopularity: I Saw Three Ships has been embraced by various artists across genres, with notable recordings by musicians such as Sting, Glen Campbell, and Sufjan Stevens. Its enduring appeal makes it a staple in Christmas music repertoires.Lyric Variations: Different song versions have emerged over the years, reflecting local traditions and interpretations. Some variations even change the context from Christmas to other celebrations, demonstrating the carol's flexibility in cultural contexts.In summary, I Saw Three Ships is significant as a cherished Christmas carol and a cultural artifact that encapsulates historical maritime themes, religious symbolism, and the evolution of folk music traditions.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.583886 By George Harrison. By George Harrison. Arranged by Jeff Tincher. Rock. Score and parts. 15 pages. Jeff Tincher #4996483. Published by Jeff Tincher (A0.583886). One of my favorite holiday songs. This one could be either a Christmas or New Year's song. The phrasing makes the song sound more complicated than it really is. In the original key from George Harrison's Dark Horse album. One note: The last line on all lyric sheets says undistinquishable. I put what I thought they sang. This is a real fun piece to perform. Duration = 3:34. Visit my websites: https://jefftincher.wixsite.com/sheetmusic, https://jefftincher.wixsite.com/music, https://www.facebook.com/jefftincherpublishing.