Forrest Guitar Ensembles

A la una nací yo - performed wonderfully by Logy de la Jungla Cuarteto - Iguazu Falls, Argentina
An ancient Sephardic melody.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bassN, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,4,4,3,2

G0063

Bai Mudan - The White Peony - a Chinese folk song - played here beautifully by Toa Payo Guitar Club and by an unknown ensemble at Frestfest USA.
Grades: 4,4,3,2,1,1

N0157

Hong Dou Ci - The Red Bean Song - a Chinese folk song
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,2,2,1,1

N0064

In Dulci Jubilo
An English carol.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,6,6,2,2,2

N0061

Three Pieces from the Mulliner Book
I smile to see how you devize, La Doune Cella, La Bounette - performed by the Sliven Guitar Ensemble, Bulgaria (nice bass!) and also rom Bulgaria, Guitar Ensemble ‘Coda’.
The Mulliner Book, in the British Museum, contains over a hundred instrumental and vocal works by sixteenth century composers.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,3,2,2,3

N0022

The Sage Leaf - from The English Dancing Master - 1670 (performed amazingly by Nepal Music group RIFF ) and, remotely, by the CGSC Orchestra.

Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,2,3,4,3

N0047

The Water is Wide
- performed by Wellington Guitar Circle, NZ.
An old English or Scottish air (Oh Waly, waly).
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2,4,3,3,2,1

N0190

Prelude No. 9
(from the 48 Preludes & Fugues)
Parts: (alto/gtr1), gtr2, (gtr3/bass), contrabass - Grades: (5/7),5,(4/3),3

N0112

Prelude No. 22 (from the 48 Preludes & Fugues) - performed by Bali Guitart, Institut Seni Indonesia Denpasar.
(... a beautiful transcription of a piece which is one of the most moving of the '48'. Classical Guitar August 1997)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr, (bass/contrabass) - Grades: 4,3,3,(3/3)

N0001

Fugue No. 22
(from the 48 Preludes & Fugues)
Parts: alt1, (alt2/gtr1), gtr2, (gtr3/bass), contrabass - Grades: 3,(2/3),3,(2/2),3

N0002

Fugue No. 23 - (from the 48 Preludes & Fugues)
Parts: (alto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: (5/6),5,5,5,5

N0014

Orchestral Suite No.1 (BWV1066)
Suite No. 1 (originally in C major) was written for 2 oboes, bassoon, 2 violins, viola y basso continuo.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,5,2,3,2

N0019

Orchestral Suite No.2 (BWV1067)
The Suite No. 2 (originally in B minor) was written for flute, 2 violins, viola and continuo.
Parts: (alt1/gtr1), (alt2/gtr2), gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: (6/8), (5/8),4,4,4

N0003

Orchestral Suite No. 4 (BWV1069)
The Suite No. 4 (originally in D major) was written for 3 trumpets, tympani, 3 oboes, 2 violins, viola and continuo.
Parts: alt1, alt2, alt3, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,5,3,6,5,3,4

N0011

Adagio BWV 564
(originally in C major for organ)
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,1,1,1,1

N0106

Schafe können sicher weiden - (Sheep may safely graze) - Aria from BWV 208
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,4,5,5,4,1

N0113

Wachet auf - Choral from BWV140
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,3,2,2,1

N0099

Three Slovakian Tunes (from For Children)
The Highway Robber, Sorrow and Teasing Song.
Grades 2,2,1,1,1

N0304

Nine Pieces from 'For Children' - from the piano original.
Choral, Ballad, Drinking Song, Mourning Song, Swineherd's Song, Rhapsody, Jeering Song, Old Hungarian Tune, Pleasantry - Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Parts: alt, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,4,3

N0301

Three Rondos on Slovak Folk Tunes - Sz.84
from the piano original - Played by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 8

N0302

Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm - from Mikrokosmos Sz.107
Played by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Alto, gtr1, gtr2, contrabass.
Grades: 8,8,8,8

N0300

Evening in Transylvania - Sz.39 from the original for piano.
Partituras: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,3,3,2,1

N0303

Adagio (WoO 43b)
originally in Eb major for mandolin and harpsichord.
Parts: alt1, (alt2/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass), contrabass - Grades: 6,(3/4),3,2,(2/2),5

N0009

Sonatine
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades 5,3,1,1,1,1

N0008

Minuet - (from the famous Quintet in E, Opus 11 No. 5)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,4,3,2,1,1

N0004

Concerto
(originally for violoncello and violin concertante, 2 violins and basso continuo)
Parts: (alto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: (6/8),5,5,6,2

N0196

Quatre Pièces - D’un Vieux Jardin, D’un Jardin Clair; Nocturne; Cortège.
The first two pieces have been transcribed straight from the piano score (Trés Morceaux 1914). The Nocturne and Cortège had previously been published as a duet for violin and piano. I have used both this and the solo piano version for the Cortège. Performed on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music by York Guitar Quartet.

Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, contrabajo - Grades: 7,7,6,5

N0136

Symphony No. 1
One of the set of eight symphonies.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,6,4,3,5

N0006

Symphony No. 2
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,7,6,5,2,2

N0013

Symphony No. 3
One of the set of eight symphonies - this being composed in 1749.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,5,6,4,3,4

N0005

Symphony No. 4
One of the set of eight symphonies.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,5,6,4,3,2

N0007

Callino Casturame
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,6,2,3,3,3

N0204

Sellingers Rownde
A 16th century English keyboard work.
Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,6,2,2,2,3

N0203

Concerto in A major
Parts: gtr solo, rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 8,6,7,5,1,1,1

N0152

Concerto No.6 Opus 6 - from 12 concerti grossi.
performed by St. Joseph's Institution Guitar Ensemble, Singapore.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,7,6,4,1,2,4,2

N0200

Opus 4, Sonata 3
Parts: alt1,alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2-4

N0207

Les Barricades Mystérieuses - Arranged for guitar orchestra from the harpsichord original.
The guitar 2 part is very useful for getting practice reading ties!
Parts: alt1, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,3,2,1

N0201

Les Moissoneurs - (The Reapers)
Arranged for guitar orchestra from the harpsichord original.
Grades: 5,5,3,2,2

N0108

Passepied - No. 4 from Suite Bergamasque.
Parts: alt1, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,6,6,5,7,3

N0214

Three Pieces
Lachrimae Antiquae Pavan; Captain Digorie Piper His Galliard; M. George Whitehead His Almand. The source material for these three pieces was the original for viols and lute continuo as well as solo lute versions of the same pieces, which were a useful source of division material.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,4,4,3,3,3

N0010

Come, Heavy Sleep
This beautiful song by John Dowland (1562-1626) has been arranged from his original for four voices and lute. Dowland's lute songs represent a pinnacle of the art and this one must surely be one of the most poignant.
Parts: alt1, (alt2/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass), contrabass -Grades: 4,(4/5),3,3,(2/2)

N0015

M. John Langton's Pavan
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,3,3,3,2,2

N0016

Semper Dowland, Semper Dolens
Parts: (alt/gtr1), (alt2/gtr2), gtr3, gtr4, gtr5, bass - Grades: (5/5),(5/5),4,4,3,2

N0017

The Right Honourable Robert, Earl of Essex His Galliard
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2,4,3,3,1

N0018

The King of Denmark, His Galliard
This arrangement of the famous galliard of John Dowland (1562-1626) has been taken from two sources - the lute solo with divisions and also the version for 5 viols with lute continuo. Using the 5 part version as a basis, I have attempted to use Dowland's style of division writing from his lute solo.
Parts: alt1, (alt2,gtr1), gtr2, (gtr3/ bass), (gtr4/contrabass) - Grades: 6,(4/4),3,(3/2),(3/3)

N0020

Serenade for Strings Op. 22 (1st. movement)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, (bass/gtr3), contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,(3/3),4

N0025

Serenade Op. 44 (1st. movement)
The Opus 44 Serenade was originally written for 10 wind instruments with violoncellos and basses. There are four movements of which this is the first. This starts in the style of a March; the mood in the second half of the piece becomes much more lyrical and polyphonic.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass), contrabass - Grades: 6,6,6,4,3,3,3

N0026

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No. 2 - Dumka
Dvorak produced two sets of eight Slavonic Dances in response to a request from a publisher to produce something similar to Brahms' popular 'Hungarian Dances'. The first set of dances, from which this dance is taken, were originally composed for piano duet in 1878, though Dvorak commenced orchestrating them before the set was complete. They are based rhythmically on characteristic Czech dances (Furiant, Polka, Sousedska and Skocna) but the musical material is Dvorak's own.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 8,6,4,4,2

N0028

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No. 3 - Polka (new arrangement 2021)
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,5,3,4,3

N0029

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No. 4 (new arrangement 2021)
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,3,4,3

N0030

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No. 6 - Sousedská (new arrangement 2021)
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,6,4,4,4

N0031

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No. 8 - Furiant (new arrangement 2021)
As performed by Guitarstrophe - The Western Australian Guitar Ensemble and also by Raffles Institution (Junior College) Guitar Ensemble.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,2,3,2

N0035

Berceuse - from Dolly Suite - performed by Classical Guitar Ensemble "HanEum”, Republic of Korea. Nice playing though the sound quality is rather noisy.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,2,4,2,2

N0197

Barcarowl
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,4,2,2,2,3

N0058

Bike Ride with Square Wheels - A little bit of sunshine for a damp English day during lockdown.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2-3

N0306

Champagnoise - after the C.16 French composer Claude Gervaise.
Parts: (alto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (bass/contrabass) - Grades: 2-3

N0046

Elegy - Performed on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music. by the York Guitar Quartet.
For quartet of alto, 2 guitars and contrabass - Grades 6-8

N0154

Fantasy on Two French Carols
The two carols upon which this fantasy is based are 'La Ballade de Jesus Christ' and 'Quelle est Cette Odeur Agréable?'. These are both early traditional French carols. The scoring is for four tenor guitars with the option of a requinto (tuned in A) for the guitar 1 part . The bass part is complementary to the guitar 4 part rather than a substitute. It can be played on acoustic bass or a suitably controlled electric bass where the ensemble size demands it.
Performed on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music by York Guitar Quartet.
Parts: (alto/gtr1), gtr2, (bass/gtr3), (contrabass/gtr4) - Grades: (4/5),3,(3/3),(3/3)

N0049

Green Donkey
An exciting, melodious piece with interesting effects and rhythms. (Also available for 3 guitars)
Parts: alt1, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,4,3,3

N0021

Joropó - Recorded by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music, and also performed by Požega School of Music Guitar Orchestra (Croatia), a fine performance by Ensamble de Guitars Armonical including a great addition of a cuatro, and many other ensembles.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,4,4,3,2

N0048

Little Prelude for Lesley - played by York Guitar Quartet and also by the DPHS Guitar Ensemble and by MacRob Senior Guitar Ensemble

Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,3,3,3,3,3

N0191

Primavera - Recorded by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
A quartet influenced by flamenco modes and rhythms.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass and contrabass - Grades 5,6,6,5

N0156

Variations on a Slovak Folk Song - (A ja som z Oravy debnár)
Loosely translated as 'A cooper from Orava am I'. The parts are not hard to play but the ensemble can be tricky!
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,6,6,6,5

N0151

Forrest Ensemble Series
A series of collections of quartets designed to work for small or large groups of players. Ideal for school or amateur ensembles at various levels.
Grades: 1-5
(Seven packages of quartets for school or amateur ensembles... the pieces have all been tried out and approved by children from 7 to 18 in groups varying in size from 4 to 40.... Classical Guitar)

Forrest Ensemble Series No. 1
Pastime with Good Company (Henry VIII); Ronde (Susato); Mourqui (L. Mozart); Men of Harlech (trad.); Muss I Den (German trad.); Catalan Carol (Salten y Bailen trad.)
(There are six pieces here with full score and quartet parts provided ..... There is a good mixture of styles represented, from Catalan and German folk songs to an arrangement of Men of Harlech, pieces by Mozart and Susato and a delightful arrangement of Pastime with Good Company by King Henry VIII. All work really well and should cause few problems to players of Grade 2 or 3 standard. The top part does not venture further than third position. This is a truly excellent collection of pieces; I have ordered a copy for school already, so what more can I say to recommend it? Classical Guitar)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,2,1,1,1,1,1,1

N0121

Ronde

Forrest Ensemble Series No. 2
Branle (Susato); Almande (Gervaise); Trumpet Minuet (Handel); The Leaving of Liverpool (English Trad.); Berceuse (No.1 from Dolly Suite - Fauré); The River Wisla (Polish trad.)
(Most welcome additions to the ensemble music for 3 or 4 guitars ... excellent value. Classical Guitar)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,2,2,2,1,2,2,1

N0125

Forrest Ensemble Series No. 3
Allemande and Nachtanz (Susato); Cupararee or Graysin (G. Coperario); Minuet (from Music for the Royal Fireworks - Handel); Janette's Thumb Jig (Forrest); Santa Lucia (Italian trad.); Greek Dance (trad.)
(...tried, tested and approved by children aged 7 to 18. Classical Guitar)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,2,3,2,2,2,2,1

N0130

Forrest Ensemble Series No. 4
Bourrée 1 & 2, Ballet (from Terpsichore - Praetorius); Vals (Op. 70 No.1 - Chopin); Menuetto (from K229 - W.A.Mozart); Speak to me (trad. Greek)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,2,4,3,2,2,2,2

N0135

Vals

Forrest Ensemble Series No. 5
My Love Hath Vow'd (Campion); Ye Banks and Braes (trad. Scottish); Minuet for French Horn (Handel); Gavot (Boyce); La Filadora (Catalan folk song)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,3,5,3,2,2,1

N0140

Forrest Ensemble Series No. 6
Dance and Nachtanz (Haussman); La Réjouissance (Handel); Serenade (Schubert); Mexican Hat Dance (trad.)
( I have reviewed several of the editions in this series ... and have been highly delighted with the chosen music, the arrangements and the preparation. Classical Guitar, Dec. 1989)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,5,4,3,3,2

N0145

Forrest Ensemble Series No. 7
Bransle I (Gervaise); Danza & Triple (Forrest, Nesbitt); Now, oh now I needs must part (Dowland); Aire from the Water Music (Handel); Menuette (W.A.Mozart); Impromptu No.3 (Schubert); The South Wind (an Irish Air); Brian Boru (an Irish Air).
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2,3,2,2,2,1

N0146

Amtrad
An enjoyable arrangement of four well-known American traditional songs.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2-3

N0050

Andulko Safárova - A traditional Czech Folk song.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades 5,4,3,3,3

N0055

An Tailliuir
Based on a hauntingly beautiful Irish melody.
(... the Irish tune is arranged to perfection – gorgeous! - Dorset Guitar Society Orchestra)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,2,3,2,2,2,2

N0045

Bulgarsk - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Recorded by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,6,5,3,3

N0124

Dorke - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Recorded by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,4

N0122

Bucimis - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Recorded by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 8,8,6,6,5

N0123

Maričensko - Pravo Horo - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music by York Guitar Quartet.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,6,5,5,2,2

N0127

More Sokol Pie - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music by York Guitar Quartet.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,6,6,3,2

N0128

Dajčovo Horo - Zizaj Nane - A traditional Bulgarian song.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,6,5,5,3

N0129

Eleno Mome - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music by York Guitar Quartet.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 8,8,6,5,5

N0126

The Coolin
A traditional Irish melody- An Chúilfhionn
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass- Grades: 3,4,3,2,2,2

N0194

La Cucuracha
A traditional, lively Spanish piece.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass- Grades: 2-4

N0261

European Folk Songs
At Cock Crow (Italy); Da Bi Imal Perje (Yugoslavia); The Blackbird (a Basque folk song - played here by IISS P. Calamandrei); Jean Renaud (Normandy); Pala Magla (Yugoslavia); Jeg lagde mig så silde (Norway); Bonnie Dundee (Scotland)
Three of these pieces - Da Bi Imal Perje, The Blackbird, Jeg lagde mig så silde and Bonnie Dundee are simple settings of traditional songs while the others have been more fully developed with changes of mood and texture.
Parts: alt, gtr1, gtr2, (gtr3 / bass), contrabass - Grades: 2-3

N0103

Fiddlers Playing
A song and dance from the Ukraine
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,3,2,1,1

N0052

Greek Dance
As in Forrest Guitar Ensembles No.3, but in a different key and slightly harder.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2,4,2,2,2,2

N0032

Hrály Dudy
A popular traditional Czech song.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (bass/contrabass) - Grades: 4,2,2,1,(1/1)

N0057

My Love's An Arbutus
An old Irish air, arranged by Charles Villiers Stanford
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,4,2,2,2,2

N0143

Noches de Luna
A beautiful vidala from Argentina for guitar quartet or orchestra - played in France by the Ensemble de Guitares de Meynes et Remoulins and in Cambridge, UK by OLE Guitar Quartet.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3,bass, contrabass - Grades: 2-4

N0120

Ogûn Gori na Balkana - (played by York Guitar Quartet)
Based on "Fires are burning on the mountains" - a Bulgarian folk song
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, contrabass - Grades: 7-8

N0053

Seasongs
This is a setting of seven songs of the sea, traditionally sung by British sailors - including a fog-horn, Setting the Sails, Phelim’s Wee Boat, Kelly the Pirate, Grace O’Malley, The Drunken Sailor, When the Boat Comes In and the Rio Grande. Some of the songs are well known, others less so and, like the sea, they vary in mood and tempo.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,4,2,2,2,2

N0051

Three Pieces from the British Isles
The Cuckoo's Nest; The Lilting Fisherman; The Sheffield Hornpipe.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,3,3,2,2

N0206

Sheffield Hornpipe

Tyrolean Cradle Song (Tyrolische Wiegenlied)
A popular Austrian carol
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,1,2,1,1,1

N0165

Vyletel Vták - Recorded by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Based on "Bird above the Clouds" - a Slovak folk song
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3-5

N0107

Canzon Quarti Toni (Missa degli Apostoli) - from Fiori musicali di compositioni (Venice, 1635)
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades 4,4,3,2,2

N0192

Bergamasca - from Fiori musicali di compositioni (Venice, 1635)
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades 6,5,5,5,4

N0193

Balletti a Cinque Voci - Con li suoi Versi per cantare, sonare & ballare.Introduttione a i Balletti; L'innamorato; Il bell'humore; Il contento; Speme Amorosa; Lo Schernito; Gloria d'Amore; Il Piacere; L'Ardito; Amor Vittorioso; Il Premiato; La Sirena; La Belleza; Caccia d'Amore; Il Martellato; L'Acceso
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,4,3,3,3

N0073

Miracol'in Natura voglio dire - from Harmonia Celeste di diversi eccelentissimi a V voci.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4-5

N0074

Che Farò Senza Euridice - from Orpheo ed Euridice Act II - in French - ‘J’ai Perdu Mon Eurydice’.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4, bass), contrabass - Grades: 2,2,2,5,2

G0215

Vektersang (Watchman's Song) Opus 12 No.3
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2,4,4,1,1

N0170

Alfedans (Elfin Dance) Opus 12 No.4
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,3,3,1

N0171

Morgenstemning( Morning mood) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 1
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,4

N0172

Åses Dod (Aases Death) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 2
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,3,2,2,2

N0173

Anitras Dans (Anitra's Dance) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 3
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,5,3,3,3

N0174

I Dovregubbens hall (In the Hall of the Mountain King) - from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 4
Here performed by the Camerata de Violões EMESP.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,5,4,4,3

N0175

Ingrids Klage (Ingrid's Lament) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 55 No.1
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,3,3,4,3

N0183

Arabiske Dans (Arabian Dance) - from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 55 No.2
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,3

N0184

Solveigs sang (Solveig's Song) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 55 No. 4
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,4,3,3

N0182

Solveigs Vuggevise (Solveig's Cradle Song)
from Peer Gynt Suite Scene 10
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,4,3,2,1,2

N0181

Three Pieces
These three quartets are taken from Handel's orchestral works and form a pleasing performance set of varied character for quartet or larger ensemble of intermediate ability. The Musette is from the Masque "Terpsichore" whilst the Lentement and Allegro are from the Water Music. Listen to the Allegro here performed by the Orquesta de Guitarras del Conservatorio Simón Bolívar
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2-5

N0062

Musette

Four Pieces
These four quartets are taken from Handel's Suite in E minor for keyboard HWV438 (Allemand and Sarabande) and the Water Music (Air No.5 from the Horn Suite in F and Air No.14 from the Trumpet Suite in D).
Parts: alt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,4,3,3,3

N0270

Flute Suite from the Water Music - performed by the Conjunto de Guitarras del Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico and the Allegro y Country Dance by Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School, Singapore.

The famous Water Music, first performed on a barge on the River Thames in 1717, is composed of a series of 3 suites written for different groups of instruments. The flute Suite, originally in G major, was written for flute, piccolo, violins, viola and violoncello.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,3,5,3,2,2,2

N0160

Three pieces from Alceste - Ballo primo, L'ultimo Ballo, Gentle Morpheus Son of Night.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,4,4,2,2

N0163

Gentle Morpheus

Concerto Grosso No. 4 - Re-engraved 2021
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,7,5,3,3,3

N0054

Concerto Grosso No. 6 - 4th movement performed by Raffles Institution (Secondary) Guitar Ensemble, Singapore.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,7,5,4,3,3,3

N0056

Concerto Grosso No. 9 - rewritten 2022.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 8,8,6,4,4,6,3

N0059

Concerto Grosso No. 12
This concerto, the last of a set of twelve and composed in 1739, was originally scored for two concertino violins, two ripieno violins, viola, violincello and bass continuo. In this arrangement the solo violin parts are taken by requintos whose clarity allows them to project well in a full ensemble. The orchestral parts are taken by four tenor guitar parts and one bass guitar part. Where the ensemble is of reasonable size i.e. at least two tenor guitars each orchestral part, an electric bass with tone suitably adjusted can blend effectively.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass), contrabass - Grades: 6,5,5,2,2,(4/3),4

N0060

Terpsicore - from the opera Il Pastor Fido
Prelude, Chacconne, Sarabanda, Gigue - the grades below refer to the Chacconne; the other movements are much easier.s.
Partis: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,8,3,2,5,5

N0176

German Dance No. 4
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,2,2,1,1

G0164

German Dance No. 12 - played here by members of Wellington Guitar Circle
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,4,2,1,1

N0161

Notturno No.2 (Hoboken II:26)
Written in 1788 for an unusual combination of instruments (including the lyra organizzata - a combination of hurdygurdy and portative organ), this nocturne is in 3 movements - with an enchanting central adagio.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,5,6,6,6

N0076

Three Pieces by Anthony Holborne
Pieces: Pavan The Funerals; Almain the Honeysuckle; Galliard the Faerie-Round
Parts: (alt1/gtr1), (alt2/gtr2), gtr3, (gtr4/bass), (gtr5/contrabass) - Grades: (4/5),(3/4),3,(3/4),(3/4)

N0037

Six Pieces by Anthony Holborne
Pieces: The Fruit of Love (Almain); Spero (Pavan); Galliard; Almayne; Noel's Galliard; Heigh Ho Holiday (Coranto)
Parts: (alt1/gtr1), (alt2/gtr2), gtr3, gtr4, bass, contrabass - Grades: (5/6),(4/4),3,3,3,3

N0038

Five Quintets (Specially produced for the Wheeler School Guitar Ensemble)
Pieces: The Widowes' Myte, The Image of Melancolly, The Marie-golde, The Cradle and a Galliard
Parts: (alto/ gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,4,4,4,3

N0039

The Night Watch by Anthony Holborne
Parts: alt, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass, contrabass - Grades: 1,2,1,1,1,1

N0041

Wanton by Anthony Holborne
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bajo, contrabajo - Grades: 3,2,1,1,1

N0042

La Paloma
- performed by Toa Payoh Guitar Club Niibori Ensemble - an excellent, expressive performance
and by GEnRe, Singapore - a lovely warm rendition and also a fine performance from Dorset Guitar Society
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,4,3,3,3

N0066

El Arreglito - a song in the rhythm of the Habanera.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,5,4,2,2,3

N0069

Starodávny (Lachian Dance No. 1)
This is the first of the Lachian Dances for Orchestra by Janacek (1854-1928).
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,7,6,5,6,4

N0067

Pozehnany (Lachian Dance No. 2)
This is the second of the Lachian Dances for Orchestra by Janacek (1854-1928). It is a work of good humour and harmonic invention.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass), contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,(4/4),3

N0065

Stare Ljubavi - A song from Croatia.
Parts: alt, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,3,3,3,2

Q0195

Yellow Bird - (Choukoun) - a song of 19th century Haiti.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades 1-2

N0230

Spanish Dance No.1 - (originally for piano duet)
Parts: alto, gtr2, (gtr3, bass), contrabass - Grades: 8,8,6,7

N0167

Polonaise from Notenbuch für Wolfgang
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,3,2,1,2,1

N0104

Jägerlied (Hunter's Song) - from Notenbuch für Wolfgang
Parts: alt1, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,4,3,4,4

N0072

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Listen to the 1st movement here performed by the Orquesta de Guitarras del Conservatorio Simón Bolívar, the Guitar School ‘Coda’ from Bulgaria and remotely by Kentucky All-State Guitar Orchestra at 4’27.
Parts: alto, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4-7

N0068

Serenata Notturna (Serenade No. 6)
Serenade No. 6, also known as Serenata Notturna, was composed in 1776 for an unusual combination of instruments. These were a string quartet of 2 violins, viola and bass; a string orchestra of 2 violin parts, viola and violincellos but no basses, and timpani. The piece may be performed by players with a wide range of abilities.
Parts: alt1, alt2, bass, contrabass, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, - Grades: 6,6,4,4,4,4,2,2

N0070

Romance from Piano concerto No. 20 K.466
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1,gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass- Grades: 7,6,5,5,2,1,1

N0071

Five Little Pieces - Galliarde, La Tendre, Sarabande, Gigue, Sonata (Sammlung 1, No.5)
Parts: alt1, gtr1,gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,6,5,4,3

N0118

Granadina and Saeta
These two pieces are taken from Twenty Spanish Folk Songs by Joaquín Nin. They were originally written for soprano and piano and cover all regions of Spain; the Granadina and the Saeta both being from Andalucia. Granadinas exist as a flamenco form alternating strict tempo dance sections with freer lyrical passages. Whilst Nin's Granadina is an original composition, it does recognise the feel of its Spanish forerunner. The Saeta is of very different character being a processional music form that is used on religious occasions.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,6,4,4,4,4

N0075

Granadina
This granadina is taken from Twenty Spanish Folk Songs by Joaquín Nin. It was originally written for soprano and piano. Granadinas exist as a flamenco form alternating strict tempo dance sections with freer lyrical passages. Whilst Nin’s Granadina is an original composition, it does recognise the feel of its Spanish forerunner.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,6,4,4,4,4

N0097

Saeta
This saeta is taken from Twenty Spanish Folk Songs by Joaquín Nin. Originally written for soprano and piano, the Saeta, from Andalucía, is of various forms usually performed unaccompanied during religious processions.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,6,4,4,2,2

N0085

Saeta

Entr'acte & Barcarolle
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,4,3,2,3,5

N0077

Concerto (originally for flute, 2/3 violins and bass) - reworked 2021-01-01.

There is doubt whether this piece was composed by Joseph Adolph Hasse (1699-1783) as his Concerto IX (1741) from a set of 12 concerti for flute, 2 violins, alto viola and basso continuo or by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736) as his Concerto a 4 for flute, 2 violins and basso continuo. Many composers of the time, benefitting from Pergolesi's success, produced works under his name - probably to increase sales. The Hasse version is more thoroughly worked out in its parts but the Pergolesi version has sections with more interesting harmonies. Pergolasse's version borrows from both!
Grades: 6,5,2,2,2

N0082

Suite Française
Bransle de Bourgogne; Pavane; Petite Marche Militaire; Complainte; Bransle de Champagne; Sicilienne; Carillon.
Performed on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music by York Guitar Quartet. Also performed here by the MDW Guitar Ensemble.
(In Poulenc's Suite Française, the York Guitar Quartet producing a surprising range of expression from bold, brassy sonorities to the quietest pianissimo which brought an almost profound stillness to the audience. Classical Guitar)
Parts: (alt1/gtr1), (alt2/gtr2), (bass/gtr3), (contrabass/gtr4) - Grades: (5/6),(5/6),(4/4),(4/4)

N0080

Spagnoletta - from the Masque 'Terpsichore'
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 2,3,3,2,2,2,2

N0087

Ten Dances from Terpsichore
A selection of my favourites.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 3,5,3,2,2,2

N0086

Laidonnerette, Impératrice des Pagodes
from Ma Mère l'Oye
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 8,8,6,4,4,4,3

N0198

Martin Said To His Man
From Deuteromelia (1609) - a book of early English part songs.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,5,2,3,2,2,2

N0083

Song of the Indian Guest (Hindu Song) - from the opera Sadko
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades 4,5,4,3,3

N0084

Sonata K 338
Originally for harpsichord.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,7,4,3,2

N0088

Sonata K 380
Originally for harpsichord.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,5,3,2,1

N0089

Sonata Longo 23
Originally for harpsichord in E major
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 7,5,4,1,1

N0093

Sonata K430 - Originally for harpsichord.
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrbass - Grados 4,5,3,2,1

N0210

Entr'Acte No. 2 - from Rosamunde
Parts: alto1, alto2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,4,5,5,5,2

N0094

Prelude and Fugue No. 8
(originally for piano)
Partituras: alto, gtr2, gtr3, contrabass - Grades: 7,7,6,6

N0081

Galliarde (c. 1617)
Originally for consort of viols
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,4,3,2

N0142

An Der Schönen Blau Donau - (The Blue Danube Waltzes)
This Waltz for Orchestra, Opus 314, has ever been a great favourite with audiences throughout the world. Arrangements have been made for guitars before, but they have usually just been of the first Waltz and have not tried to capture the whole breadth of the piece. This arrangement is complete with all five waltzes and the full Coda.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,3,2,3,3

N0085

Eight Pieces from the Danserye (1551)
Ronde; Allemande; Pavane: ’Tausend Dukaten’; Schäfertanz; King's Dance; Ronde:'Warum'; Pass et medio; Mohrentanz (La Mourisque)
Parts: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4,3,2,2,1,2

N0150

Three Pieces by the composer Juan Vásquez (c.1500 - c.1560)
Grades: 4-5

N0202

La Pastorella (Corrected and with all movements 2020-12-14)
'La Pastorella' was originally scored in D major for solo recorder, oboe, violin, basson and continuo. In this arrangement, the requintos take the parts of recorder and oboe, a tenor guitar the violin and a bass the bassoon. The continuo is taken up by three separate tenor guitar parts.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,3,2,4

N0090

Danza Pastorale - from Primavera - Le Quattro Stagioni
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5,5,5,3,1,1,1

N0091

Concerto RV535
(originally for 2 oboes, strings and continuo)
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 8,6,6,5,3,5,4

N0092

Concerto for Two Mandolins (performed by my ensemble at Selby Music Centre Guitar Ensemble, North Yorkshire from schools in the Selby area.)
The concerto was originally written for mandolins, string orchestra and continuo in G major. This arrangement for two requintos, three tenor guitars and one bass guitar has been transposed to C major to suit the range of the instruments more effectively.
It is possible to double the solo requinto parts where the rest of the ensemble is of sufficient size (e.g. ten or more tenor guitars) - this gives the advantage of 'back-up' for less experienced performers, and also imitates the 'double-string' effect of the mandolin.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades: 6,6,5,3,3

N0095

Lute concerto in D major
Originally written for lute and strings.
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass, contrabass - Grades 7,6,5,3,3,3
At the end there is another page for alt1 with divisions for the Largo.

N0096

L'Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8
Parts: alt1, alt2, gtr1, gtr2, (gtr3/bass), contrabass - Grades 6,6,6,4,3,4

N0100

L'Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No .11 - As performed by Guitarstrophe - The Western Australian Guitar Ensemble.
This concerto, from the 'Estro Armonico', was originally scored in D minor for solo violins 1 and 2, solo violoncello and orchestra (consisting of violins 1 and 2, violas 1 and 2 and basso continuo). The solo violins have been replaced by requintos, the basso continuo by bass guitar and the rest by standard tenor guitars.
Parts: alt1, alt2, bass, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, contrabass - Grades 6,6,5,4,4,3,4

N0105

Interlude by the Fireside - from L'Inverno de "Il Cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione" Opus 8 No. 4 of The Four Seasons.
Parts: alto, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 4-5

N0250

Aria - Ch'alla Colpa fa' traggitto - from Armida, al Campo d'Egitto, RV 699, Act II, Scene 16
Partituras: alto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass, contrabass - Grades: 5, 6,6,3,2,2

N0251