GUITAR ORCHESTRAS

Composer

Title

Code

Download

Prelude No.22 (from the 48 Preludes & Fugues)

Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass) - Grades: (4/4),3,3,(3/4)

(... a beautiful transcription of a piece which is one of the most moving of the '48'. Classical Guitar August 1997)

Parts: rqt1, (rqt2/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 3,(2/3),3,2,3

Suite No.2 (BWV1067)

Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass) - Grades: (6/7),6,5,(6/6)

The Suite No. 2 (originally in B minor) was written for flute, 2 violins, viola and continuo.

Suite No. 4 (BWV1069)

Parts: rqt1, rqt2, rqt3, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,3,6,5,3,6

The Suite No. 4(originally in D major) was written for 3 trumpets, tympani, 3 oboes, 2 violins, viola and continuo.

Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: (6/6),1,1,1,3

Minuet (from the famous Quintet in E, Opus 11 No. 5)

Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,4,3,2,1,1

Symphony No. 1

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 5,5,6,4,3,5

One of the set of eight symphonies.

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 8,7,6,5,2,4

Symphony No. 3

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 5,5,6,4,3,4

One of the set of eight symphonies - this being composed in 1749.

Symphony No. 4

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (bass/contrabass) - Grades 5,5,6,4,3,(4/2)

One of the set of eight symphonies.

Adagio (WoO 43b) originally in Eb major for mandolin and harpsichord.

Parts: rqto1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (bass/contrabass) - Grades 6,4,3,2,2,(5/2)

Sonatine

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 5,3,1,1,1,1

Concerto No.6 Opus 6

from 12 concerti grossi.

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, solo gtr, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 7,7,4,6,4,1,2,3

Les Barricades Mystérieuses - Arranged for guitar orchestra from the harpsichord original.

The guitar 2 part is very useful for getting practice reading ties!

Parts: rqto1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 4,5,3,2,1

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: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass) - Grades: 6,4,3,3,(3/3)

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: rqt1, (rqt2/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass/contrabass) - Grades: 4,(3/4),3,3,(2/2/2)

Semper Dowland, Semper Dolens

Parts: (rqt1/gtr1), (rqt2/gtr2), gtr3, gtr4, gtr5, bass - Grades: (5/5),(5/5),4,4,3,2

Also as a quintet:

Parts: gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, gtr5 - Grades: 5,5,4,4,3

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: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass/contrabass) - Grades:6,4,3,3,(3/4/3)

Serenade for Strings Op. 22 (1st. movement)

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 6,6,5,4,3,4

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: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 6,6,6,4,3,3,4

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No.3 Polka

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: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,5,3,3,5

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No.4

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,3,4,3

As performed by Guitarstrophe - The Western Australian Guitar Ensemble.

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No.6

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7,6,4,4,4

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No.8 - Furiant

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, (bass/contrabass) - Grades: 5,5,2,(2/3)

Fantasy on Two French Carols - (Recorded by York Guitar Quartet here)

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.

Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass) - Grades: (5/4),3,3,(3/3)

European Folk Songs

At Cock Crow (Italy); Da Bi Imal Perje (Yugoslavia) ; The Blackbird (Basque folk song); Jean Renaud (Normandy);Pala Magla (Yugoslavia); Bonnie Dundee (Scotland)

Three of these pieces - Da Bi Imal Perje, The Blackbird and Bonnie Dundee are simple settings of traditional songs while the others have been more fully developed with changes of mood and texture.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 2-3

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)

( Six pieces...all work really well. ..a truly excellent collection of pieces.. Classical Guitar)

Parts: rqto1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,2,1,1,1,1,1

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.)

Parts: rqto1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,2,2,2,1,2,2

( most welcome additions to the ensemble music for 3 or 4 guitars ... excellent value. Classical Guitar)

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.)

Parts: rqto1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,3,3,2,2,2,2

(...tried, tested and approved by children aged 7 to 18. Classical Guitar)

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: rqto1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,2,4,3,2,2,4

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: rqto1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,4,5,3,2,2,2

Forrest Ensemble Series No.6

Dance & Nachtanz (Haussman); La Réjouissance (Handel); Serenade - Ständchen (Schubert); Mexican Hat Song (trad.)

Parts: rqto1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,5,5,4,3,3,2

An Tailliuir
based on a hauntingly beautiful Irish melody

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,3,2,2,2,2

(... the Irish tune is arranged to perfection – gorgeous! - Dorset Guitar Society Orchestra)

Champagnoise - after the C.16 French composer Claude Gervaise.

Parts: rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass/contrabass) - Grades: 2-3

The Sage Leaf - from The English Dancing Master - 1670

Parts: (rqt1/gtr1), (rqt2/gtr2), gtr3, (gtr4/bass/contrabass) - Grades: (5/5),(3/4),3,(3/4/3)

Joropó - (Recorded by York Guitar Quartet here)

A dance in a vibrant Latin rhythm and great fun to play.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 3,4,4,3,3

Amtrad

An enjoyable arrangement of four well-known American traditional songs.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 2-3

Seasongs

This is a setting of seven songs of the sea, traditionally sung by British sailors. Some of the songs are well known, others less so and, like the sea, they vary in mood and tempo.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,4,2,2,2,2

Fiddlers Playing

A song and dance from the Ukraine

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,5,3,2,2,3

Ogûn Gori na Balkana (played by Sibelius)

Based on "Fires are burning on the mountains" - a Bulgarian folk song

Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7-8

Vyletel Vták - (Recorded by York Guitar Quartet here)

Based on "Bird above the Clouds" - a Slovak folk song

Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3-5

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,4,2,2,2,3

for Lesley

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,3,3,3,3,3

Green Donkey

An exciting, melodious piece with interesting effects and rhythms. (Also available for 3 guitars) (excerpt played ably by Sibelius!)

Parts: rqto1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 4,4,5,4,3,5

Noches de Luna

A beautiful vidala from Argentina for guitar quartet or orchestra.

Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass/contrabass) - Grades: 2-3

Andulko Safárova (arr. Forrest)

A traditional Czech Folk song.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 5,4,3,3,3

Hrály Dudy

A popular traditional Czech song.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (bass/contrabass) - Grades 4,2,2,1,(1/1)

A popular Austrian carol

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 3,1,2,1,1,1

Canzon Quarti Toni (Missa degli Apostoli)

from Fiori musicali di compositioni (Venice, 1635)

Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 4,4,3,2,2

Bergamasca

from Fiori musicali di compositioni (Venice, 1635)

Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 6,5,5,4,4

Watchman's Song (Vektersang)

Opus 12 No.3

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 3,4,4,3,2,1

Elfin Dance (Elverdans)

Opus 12 No.4

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 5,3,2,2,2

Morgenstemning (Morning mood)

from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 1

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

Aases Death (Åses Dod)

from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 2

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 4,3,2,1,1

Anitras Dans (Anitra's Dance)

from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 3

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 6,5,3,3,3

In the Hall of the Mountain King (I Dovregubbens hall)

from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 4

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

Solveig Song (Canción de Solveig)

from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 56 No. 4

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 6,6,4,2,2

from Peer Gynt Suite Scene 10

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 5,4,3,2,2

Concerto Grosso No.4

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4 (bass/contrabass) - Grades 6,6,7,5,3,3,5,(3/3)

Concerto Grosso No.6

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 7,7,5,4,3,3,4

Concerto Grosso No.9

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (bass/contrabass) - Grades 8,7,6,4,4,6,(4/3)

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: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (bass/contrabass) - Grades 6,5,5,2,2,4,(4/3)

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.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (bass/contrabass) - Grades: 2-4

Flute Suite from the Water Music

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. The central guitar quartet can stand on its own but requintos and bass may be added as desired as long as the balance of parts is maintained.

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,3,5,3,2,2,3

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass- Grades: 2,4,2,1,1,2

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: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 6,6,5,5,6,6,6

Three Pieces by Anthony Holborne

Pieces: Pavan The Funerals; Almain the Honeysuckle; Galliard the Faerie-Round

Also available as a Guitar Quintet.

Parts:( rqt1/gtr1), (rqt2/gtr2), gtr3, gtr4, (gtr5/bass) - Grades: (4/5),(3/4),3,3,(3/4)

Pieces: The Fruit of Love (Almain); Spero (Pavan); Galliard; Almayne; Noel's Galliard; Heigh Ho Holiday (Coranto)

Also available as a Guitar Quintet.

Parts: (rqt1/ gtr1), (rqt2/gtr2), gtr3, gtr4, gtr5, bass - Grades: (5/6),(4/4),3,3,3,3

(Specially produced for the Wheeler School Guitar Ensemble.)

Pieces: The Widowes' Myte, The Image of Melancolly, The Marie-golde, The Cradle and a Galliard

Also available as a Guitar Quintet.

Parts: (rqto/ gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (gtr5, bass) - Grades: 5,4,4,4,3

La Paloma

Pars: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (bass/contrabass) - Grades: 4,4,3,3,3,3

This is the first of the Lachian Dances for Orchestra by Janacek (1854-1928).

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 7,5,5,4,3,2

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: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, bass - Grades 6,6,5,4,3

Polonaise from Notenbuch für Wolfgang

Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,3,2,1,2,1

Jägerlied (Hunter's Song) -from Notenbuch für Wolfgang

Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 4,4,3,4,4

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (bass/contrabass) - Grades: 4-7

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: rqto1, rqto2, gtrsolo, bass, gtr1,gtr2, gtr3, gtr4 - Grades 7,7,5,4,4,4,2,2

Romance from Piano concerto No. 20 K.466

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1,gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 7,6,5,5,2,2,2

Granadina and Saeta

Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 5,5,6,4,4,4,4

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.

Entr'acte & Barcarolle

Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,4,3,2,3,5

Suite Française (arr. Forrest)

.....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: (rqto,gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass/contrabass) - Grades (5/6),5,4,(4/5/4)

Spagnoletta

from the Masque 'Terpsichore'

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 2,3,3,2,2,2,3

Ten Dances from Terpsichore

A selection of my favourites.

Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 2,3,2,2,3

Martin Said To His Man

From Deuteromelia (1609) - a book of early English part songs.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,5,2,3,2,2

Hindoo Song

From the opera Sadko

Parts:(rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (bass/contrabass) - Grades (4/5),1,2,(3/2)

Sonata K 338

Originally for harpsichord.

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7,7,4,3,3

Sonata K 380 (Longo 23)

Originally for harpsichord in Emajor

Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,5,4,1,1

Galliarde (c. 1617)

Originally for consort of viols

Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,5,4,3,2

Also available as a guitar quintet

Parts: gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, gtr5 - Grades: 6,5,4,3,2

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 ofthe piece. This arrangement is complete with all five waltzes and the full Coda.

Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 6,6,5,2,2,3,3

La Pastorella (1st. movement)

'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: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (bass/contrabass)- Grades 6,6,5,3,2,3,(6/4)

Concierto RV535 (originally for 2 oboes, strings and continuo)

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, grt4, bass - Grades 8,6,6,5,3,5,5

Concerto for Two Mandolins

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: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 6,6,5,3,2,4

Lute concerto in D major

Originally written for lute and strings.

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 7,6,5,3,2,4

L'Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No.8

Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (bass/contrabass) - Grades 6,6,6,4,3,(4/3)

L'Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No.11

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: rqto1, rqto2, solo gtr, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 6,6,5,4,4,3,4

As performed by Guitarstrophe - The Western Australian Guitar Ensemble.