Forrest Guitar Ensembles

A la una nací yo - performed wonderfully by Logy de la Jungla Cuarteto - Iguazu Falls, Argentina
An ancient Sephardic melody.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - 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 Fretfest in the USA.
Grades: 4,4,3,2,1,1

G0157

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

G0061

Hong Dou Ci - The Red Bean Song - a Chinese folk song
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,2,2,1,1

G0064

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 from Bulgaria the Guitar Ensemble ‘Coda’.
The Mulliner Book, in the British Museum, contains over a hundred instrumental and vocal works by sixteenth century composers.
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 3,3,2,2

G0022

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

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

G0047

The Water is Wide - performed by Wellington Guitar Circle,NZ.
An old English or Scottish air (Oh Waly, waly).
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,4,3,3,3,1

G0190

Prelude No. 9
(from the 48 Preludes & Fugues)
Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: (6/7),5,4,7

G0112

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

G0001

Fugue No. 22
(from the 48 Preludes & Fugues)
Parts: rqt1, (rqt2/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 3,(2/3),3,2,3

G0002

Fugue No. 23 - (from the 48 Preludes & Fugues)
Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4, bass) - Grades: (5/6),5,5,(5/5)

G0014

Orchestral Suite No.1 (BWV1066)
La Suite No. 1 (originally in C major fwas written for 2 oboes, bassoon, 2 violins, viola y basso continuo.
Partituras: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bajo - Grados: 4,5,5,2,3,4

G0019

Orchestral Suite No.2 (BWV1067)
The Suite No. 2 (originally in B minor) was written for flute, 2 violins, viola and continuo.
Parts: (rqt1/gtr1), (rqt2/gtr2}, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: (7/8),(5/8),4,4,6

G0003

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

G0011

Adagio BWV 564
(originally in C major for organ)
Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: (6/6),1,1,1,3

G0106

Schafe können sicher weiden - (Sheep may safely graze) - Aria from BWV 208
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass- Grades: 4,4,5,5,4,1,1

G0113

Wachet auf - Choral from BWV140
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,3,2,2,2

G0099

Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm - from Mikrokosmos Sz.107
Requinto, 2 guitars and bass from the original for piano - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Grades: 8,8,8,8

G0300

Three Rondos on Slovak Folk Tunes - Sz.84
from the original for piano - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr, bass Grades: 8,8,8,8

G0302

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 - Played by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

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

G0301

Three Slovakian Tunes (from For Children)
The Highway Robber, Sorrow and Teasing Song.
Grades 2,2,1,1,3

G0304

Evening in Transylvania - Sz.39 from the piano original.
Partituras: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,5,3,3,2,2

G0303

Adagio (WoO 43b)
originally in Eb major for mandolin and harpsichord.
Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 6,4,3,2,2,5

G0009

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

G0008

Minuet - (from the famous Quintet in E, Opus 11 No. 5)
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,4,3,2,1,1Grades: 6,5,5,4

G0004

Concerto
(originally for violoncello and violin concertante, 2 violins and basso continuo)
Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: (6/8),5,5,7,3

G0196

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 by York Guitar Quartet en Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.

Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, bass. Grados: 7,7,6,6

G0136

Symphony No. 1
One of the set of eight symphonies.
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,5,6,4,3,5

G0006

Symphony No. 2
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 8,7,6,5,2,4

G0013

Symphony No. 3
One of the set of eight symphonies - this being composed in 1749.
Parts: rqo1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,5,6,4,3,4

G0005

Symphony No. 4
One of the set of eight symphonies.
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,5,6,4,3,4

G0007

Callino Casturame
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,6,2,3,3,5

G0204

Sellingers Rownde
A 16th century English keyboard work.
Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,6,2,2,3,4

G0203

Concerto in a major
Parts: gtr solo, rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 8,6,7,5,1,1,1

G0152

Concerto No.6 Opus 6 - from 12 concerti grossi.
performed by St. Joseph's Institution Guitar Ensemble, Singapore.
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, solo gtr, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 7,7,4,6,4,1,2,3

G0200

Opus 4, Sonata 3
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 2-4

G0207

Les Barricades Mystérieuses - Arranged for guitar orchestra from the harpsichord original.
The guitar 2 part is very useful for getting practice reading ties!
Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 4,5,3,2,1

G0201

Les Moissoneurs (The Reapers)
Arranged for guitar orchestra from the harpsichord original.
Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,5,3,2,2

G0108

Passepied - No. 4 from the Suite Bergamasque.
Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,6,6,5,7,4

G0214

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: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, gtr5, bass - Grades: 7,4,3,3,3

G0010

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) - Grades: 4,(3/4),3,3,(2/2)

G0015

M. John Langton's Pavan
Parts: rqto, (rqt2/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,(3/3),3,3,2,4

G0016

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

G0017

The Right Honourable Robert, Earl of Essex His Galliard
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,4,3,2,2

G0018

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) - Grades: 6,4,3,3,(3/4)

G0020

Serenade for Strings Op. 22 (1st. movement)
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,3,4

G0025

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 6,6,6,4,3,3,4

G0026

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: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 8,6,4,4,2

G0028

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No. 3 - Polka (new arrangement 2021)
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,5,3,3,5

G0029

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No. 4 (new arrangement 2021)
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,3,4,3

G0030

Slavonic Dance Opus 46 No. 6 - Sousedská (new arrangement 2021)
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7,6,4,4,4

G0031

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

G0035

Berceuse - from Dolly Suite - performed by Classical Guitar Ensemble "HanEum”, Republic of Korea. Nicely played though the sound quality is a little noisy.
Grades: 4,2,4,2,2.

G0197

Barcarowl - A piece in the style of a barcarole but with an echo of the bird of the night.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,4,2,2,2,3

G0058

Bike Ride with Square Wheels -A little bit of sunshine for a damp English day during lockdown
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grados: 2-3

G0306

Champagnoise - after the C.16 French composer Claude Gervaise.
Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass) - Grades: 2-3

G0046

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 by York Guitar Quartet en Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: (rqto/gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass) - Grades: (5/4),3,3,(3/3)

G0049

Green Donkey
An exciting, melodious piece with interesting effects and rhythms. (Also available for 3 guitars)
Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 4,5,5,4,5

G0021

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, remotely, by Kentucky All-State Guitar Orchestra.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 3,4,4,3,3

G0048

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

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

G0191

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: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,6,6,6,5,5

G0151

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,2,1,1,1,1,1

G0121

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,2,2,2,1,2,2

G0125

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

G0130

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,2,4,3,2,2,4

G0135

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bajo - Grades: 4,4,5,3,2,2,2

G0140

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,5,5,4,3,3,2

G0145

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

G0146

Amtrad
An enjoyable arrangement of four well-known American traditional songs.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 2-3

G0050

Andulko Safárova - A traditional Czech Folk song.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,4,3,3,3

G0055

An Tailliuir
Based on a hauntingly beautiful Irish melody.
(... the Irish tune is arranged to perfection – gorgeous! - Dorset Guitar Society Orchestra)
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,2,3,2,2,2,2

G0045

Bulgarsk - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 7,6,5,3,3

G0124

Dorke - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 7,6,5,4,4

G0122

Bucimis - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 8,8,6,6,6

G0123

Maričensko - Pravo Horo - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed by York Guitar Quartet en Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,5,4,4

G0127

More Sokol Pie - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed by York Guitar Quartet en Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 7,8,6,6,4,5

G0128

Dajčovo Horo - Zizaj Nane - A traditional Bulgarian song..
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 7,6,5,4,5

G0129

Eleno Mome - A traditional Bulgarian melody - Performed by York Guitar Quartet en Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 8,8,8,6,6,6

G0126

The Coolin
A traditional Irish melody- An Chúilfhionn
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,4,3,2,2,2

G0194

La Cucuracha
A traditional, lively Spanish piece.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 2-3

G0261

European Folk Songs
At Cock Crow (Italy); Da Bi Imal Perje (Yugoslavia); The Blackbird (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: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 2-3

G0103

Fiddlers Playing
A song and dance from the Ukraine
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,5,3,2,2,3

G0052

Greek Dance
As in Forrest Guitar Ensembles No.3, but in a different key and slightly harder.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 2,4,2,2,2,2

G0032

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

G0057

My Love's An Arbutus
An old Irish air, arranged by Charles Villiers Stanford
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,4,2,2,2,2

G0143

Noches de Luna
A beautiful vidala from Argentina for guitar quartet or orchestra - played in France by Ensemble de Guitares de Meynes et Remoulins and in Cambridge, UK by OLE Guitar Quartet.
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 2-4

G0120

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

G0053

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

G0051

Three Pieces from the British Isles
The Cuckoo's Nest; The Lilting Fisherman; The Sheffield Hornpipe.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 4,3,3,2,3

G0206

Sheffield Hornpipe

Tyrolean Cradle Song (Tyrolische Wiegenlied)
A popular Austrian carol.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,1,2,1,1,1

G0165

Vyletel Vták - (performed on Spotify by York Guitar Quartet - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music
Based on "Bird above the Clouds" - a Slovak folk song
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3-5

G0107

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

G0192

Bergamasca - from Fiori musicali di compositioni (Venice, 1635)
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 6,5,5,4,4

G0193

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: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, gtr5, bass - Grades: 4,4,3,3,3,4

G0073

Miracol'in Natura voglio dire - from Harmonia Celeste di diversi eccelentissimi a V voci.
Parts: gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, gtr5, bass - Grades: 4-5

G0074

Che Farò Senza Euridice - from Orpheo ed Euridice Act II - also known in French as ‘J’ai Perdu Mon Eurydice’.
Parts: rqt1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 2,2,2,5,2

G0215

Vektersang (Watchman's Song) Opus 12 No.3
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,4,4,3,2,1

G0170

Alfedans (Elfin Dance) Opus 12 No.4
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,3,2,2,2

G0171

Morgenstemning( Morning mood) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 1
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,3

G0172

Åses Dod (Aases Death) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 46 No. 2
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 4,3,2,1,1

G0173

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

G0174

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

G0175

Ingrids Klage (Ingrid's Lament) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 55 No.1
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,5,3,3,3

G0183

Arabiske Dans (Arabian Dance) - from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 55 No.2
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,3

G0184

Solveigs sang (Solveig's Song) from Peer Gynt Suite Opus 55 No. 4
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,4,2,2

G0182

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

G0181

Three Pieces
These 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
Grades: 2-5

G0062

Musette

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,3,5,3,2,2,3

G0160

Three pieces from Alceste - Ballo primo, L'ultimo Ballo, Gentle Morpheus Son of Night.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,4,4,2,2

G0163

Gentle Morpheus

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

G0270

Concerto Grosso No. 4 - Re-engraved 2021
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4 (bass) - Grades: 6,6,7,5,3,3,5,3

G0054

Concerto Grosso No. 6 - 4th movement performed by Raffles Institution (Secondary) Guitar Ensemble, Singapore.
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 7,7,5,4,3,3,4

G0056

Concerto Grosso No. 9 - rewritten 2022.
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (bass) - Grades: 8,8,6,4,4,6,4

G0059

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (bass) - Grades: 6,5,5,2,2,4,4

G0060

Terpsicore - from the opera Il Pastor Fido
Prelude, Chacconne, Sarabanda, Gigue - the grades below refer to the Chacconne; the other movements are much easier.
Parts: rqt1,gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 6,8,3,2,5,6

G0176

German Dance No. 4
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4,2,2,1,2

G0164

German Dance No. 12 - played here by members of Wellington Guitar Circle
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,2,1,1,2

G0161

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

G0076

Three Pieces by Anthony Holborne
Pieces: Pavan The Funerals; Almain the Honeysuckle; Galliard the Faerie-Round
Parts: (rqt1/gtr1), (rqt2/gtr2), gtr3, gtr4, (gtr5/bass) - Grades: (4/5),(3/4),3,3,(3/4)

G0037

Six Pieces by Anthony Holborne
Pieces: The Fruit of Love (Almain); Spero (Pavan); Galliard; Almayne; Noel's Galliard; Heigh Ho Holiday (Coranto)
Parts: (rqt1/ gtr1), (rqt2/gtr2), gtr3, gtr4, gtr5, bass - Grades: (5/6),(4/4),3,3,3,3

G0038

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

G0039

The Night Watch by Anthony Holborne
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, gtr5, bass - Grades: 1,2,1,1,1,1

G0041

Wanton by Anthony Holborne
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,2,1,1,1

G0042

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

G0066

El Arreglito - a song in the rhythm of the Habanera.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,5,4,2,2,3

G0069

Starodávny (Lachian Dance No. 1)
This is the first of the Lachian Dances for Orchestra by Janacek (1854-1928).
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7,7,6,5,6,4

G0067

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, bass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,3

G0065

Stare Ljubavi - A song from Croatia.
Grades: 3,5,3,3,3,4

Q0195

Yellow Bird - (Choukoun) - a song from 19th century Haiti.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 1-2

G0230

Polonaise from Notenbuch für Wolfgang
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,3,2,1,2,1

G0104

Jägerlied (Hunter's Song) - from Notenbuch für Wolfgang
Parts: rqt1, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 4,4,3,4,4

G0072

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Listen to the 1st movement performed by the Orquesta de Guitarras del Conservatorio Simón Bolívar, by the Guitar School ‘Coda’ from Bulgaria and remotely by Kentucky All-State Guitar Orchestra (at 4’27”).
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, (bass) - Grades: 4-7

G0068

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: rqt1, rqt2, gtrsolo, bass, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4 - Grades: 7,7,5,4,4,4,2,2

G0070

Romance from Piano concerto No. 20 K.466
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1,gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 7,6,5,5,2,2,2

G0071

Five Little Pieces - Galliarde, La Tendre, Sarabande, Gigue, Sonata (Sammlung 1, No.5)
Parts: rqt1, gtr1,gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,6,5,4,3

G0118

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: rqt1, rqot2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 5,5,6,4,4,3,3

G0097

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: rqt1, rqot2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades 5,5,6,4,4,2,2

G0085

Entr'acte & Barcarolle
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,4,3,2,3,5

G0077

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: 6,5,2,2,3

G0082

Suite Française
Bransle de Bourgogne; Pavane; Petite Marche Militaire; Complainte; Bransle de Champagne; Sicilienne; Carillon.
Performed by York Guitar Quartet en Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. 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: (rqto,gtr1), gtr2, gtr3, (gtr4/bass) - Grades: (5/6),5,4,(4/5)

G0080

Spagnoletta - from the Masque 'Terpsichore'
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 2,3,3,2,2,2,3

G0087

Ten Dances from Terpsichore
A selection of my favourites.
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 3,5,2,2,3

G0086

Laidonnerette, Impératrice des Pagodes
from Ma Mère l'Oye
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 8,8,6,4,4,4,3

G0198

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

G0083

Song of the Indian Guest (Hindu Song) - from the opera Sadko
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 4,5,4,2,3

G0084

Sonata K 338
Originally for harpsichord.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7,7,4,3,3

G0088

Sonata K 380
Originally for harpsichord.
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,5,3,2,2

G0089

Sonata Longo 23
Originally for harpsichord in E major
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,5,4,1,1

G0093

Sonata K430
Originally for harpsichord
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 5,5,3,2,2

G0210

Entr'Acte No. 2 - from Rosamunde
Parts: rqto1, rqto2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 5,4,5,5,5,3

G0094

Prelude and Fugue No. 8
(originally for piano)
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7,7,6,6

G0081

Galliarde (c. 1617)
Originally for consort of viols
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,5,4,3,2

G0142

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

G0085

Eight Pieces from the Danserye (1551)
Ronde; Allemande; Pavane: 'Tausend Dukaten’; Schäfertanz; King's Dance; Ronde:'Warum'; Pass et medio; Mohrentanz (La Mourisque)
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass- Grades: 4,3,2,2,2,3

G0150

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

G0202

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

G0090

Danza Pastorale - from Primavera - Le Quattro Stagioni
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5,5,5,3,1,1,2

G0091

Concerto RV535
(originally for 2 oboes, strings and continuo)
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 8,6,6,5,3,5,5

G0092

Concerto for Two Mandolins (performed by the 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: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,5,3,2,4

G0095

Lute concerto in D major
Originally written for lute and strings.
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7,6,5,3,2,4
At the end there is another page for rqt1 with divisions for the Largo.

G0096

L'Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8
Parts: rqt1, rqt2, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, (bass) - Grades: 6,6,6,4,3,4

G0100

L'Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No .11 - As performed here 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: rqt1, rqt2, solo gtr, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 6,6,5,4,4,3,4

G0105

Interlude by the Fireside - from L'Inverno de "Il Cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione" Opus 8 No. 4 of The Four Seasons.
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 4-5

G0250

Aria - Ch'alla Colpa fa' traggitto - from Armida, al Campo d'Egitto, RV 699, Act II, Scene 16
Parts: rqto, gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4, bass - Grades: 5, 6,6,3,2,3

G0251