SKU: A0.1010888

Johnston: Divertimento for Strings: Full Score Only

Divertimento for Strings was written for advanced Youth or High School string orchestra.  It is an exploration of counterpoint, chromaticism, and texture within a construct of playability.  As a ‘teaching piece’, it can be useful to point out the various forms:

I.                    Allegro is in a bare-bones Sonata Allegro form.

II.                Adagio is reminiscent in the latter bars of a Habanera.

III.              Waltz is just that, a wistful, swirling dance movement.

IV.              Gigue hearkens back to the Baroque style in compound meter, and is embellished with 19th century chromatic harmonies.

This piece was originally written for the Wilton High School Orchestra • Wilton, CT, USA under the direction of, and at the suggestion of Marshall Meade in 2016.

I hope you enjoy it!

- Mac Johnston

Instrumentation:

Violins 1A & B,

Violins 2 A & B,

Violas,

Violoncellos 1 & 2, and

Double Basses.

 Copyright © 2016 John McNeil Johnston • all rights reserved.

SKU: A0.1268999

Calling all music rebels and string quartets with a taste for rock 'n' roll! Prepare to set the stage ablaze with the electrifying String Quartet Score of Somebody Told Me by The Killers - a fiery rendition that'll have audiences banging their heads and cheering for an encore!

Rock 'n' Roll Showstopper:
Unleash the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll with Somebody Told Me. This explosive arrangement packs the punch, power, and raw energy that define this iconic rock anthem. Your quartet will transform the stage into a musical powerhouse, leaving jaws dropped and hearts pounding.

Strings Infused with Rock Fury:
This sheet music captures the essence of The Killers' rock masterpiece while showcasing the exquisite harmony of classical strings. From the fierce violins to the soulful viola, the thundering cello to the heart-pounding basslines, your quartet will breathe new life into this chart-topping hit.

Empower Every Musician:
Let each member of your quartet shine as they embrace the spirit of rock 'n' roll. The expertly crafted notation ensures that players of all skill levels can embrace the adrenaline rush, channeling their inner rockstar and captivating audiences with a jaw-dropping performance.

Unforgettable Rock Fusion:
Witness the magic as classical strings intertwine with rock 'n' roll fury. Somebody Told Me sets the stage for an unforgettable experience, blurring the lines between genres and creating a performance that will be etched in memory.

From Chamber to Rock Arena: 
This edgy quartet score is a versatile powerhouse. Whether you're performing at an intimate chamber concert or rocking out on a grand stage, Somebody Told Me will elevate your quartet's reputation and leave a trail of mesmerized fans in its wake.

Your Ticket to Rock 'n' Roll Fame:
Take a leap into the rock 'n' roll limelight with Somebody Told Me. This electrifying quartet score is your ticket to musical stardom, setting the standard for jaw-dropping performances that'll leave your audience begging for more.

Ready to Rock the Quartet World?
Don't miss the chance to add this epic rock arrangement to your quartet's repertoire. Embrace the fusion of rock 'n' roll and classical strings, and let Somebody Told Me be the showstopper that takes your quartet to new heights!

Grab your String Quartet Score now and let the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll roar through your quartet's strings! Get ready to rock the stage with The Killers' electrifying hit!

SKU: A0.1015103

A serenade for strings suitable for youth orchestra or amateur players

SKU: A0.1010891

Divertimento for Strings - II. Adagio - All Parts.

SKU: A0.1019348

Psalm For Strings, scored for 2 violins, viola and cello was composed in 1991 and later revised in 2017. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 29, the piece focuses upon the following text:

Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

While the piece begins with an Aeolian mode melody, as played by the cello, the music quickly shifts to the major key at measure nine bringing with it a sense of optimism. A return to the inspiration of the opening lines of the psalm, at measure seventeen, introduces an additional melody. Enhanced through warm rich harmonies we now hear the fullness of the entire ensemble. A change in mood felt at measure thirty conveys reverence, as the music suddenly softens and beckons us to...

Worship the Lord in beauty of holiness.

The melody first introduced in measure nine, along with its optimism, reappears at measure thirty seven and then returns to the opening melody at measure forty three, now played in a lush string harmony.

The same shift in mood felt at measure thirty appears in measure sixty three though a subtle change to the music is made; a shift to the minor key is used instead of a major key adding a sense of drama to the music.

At measure sixty-nine a reprise of the opening melody leads to the glorious ending of hope and peace as the psalmist intended.

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace

SKU: A0.1291010

Piece for 4 guitars using only open strings. I wrote this to encourage ensemble playing as early as possible in a pupil's learning.

Score and 4 parts.

SKU: A0.1010890

Divertimento for Strings: III. Waltz- All Parts.