Guitar Quartets
Listen to York Guitar Quartet performing on their recent album
Landscape with Trees
Composer
Title
Code
Anon.
A la una nací yo - performed wonderfully by Logy of the Jungle Quartet - Iguazu Falls, Argentina
An ancient Sephardic air.
Grades: 5,4,4,3
Q0063
All in a Garden Green - performed by Aroma Guitar Quartet.
And listen to O Quarteto de Violões de Chapecó, Brazil.
A 16th century English air.
Grade: 1
Q0003
Away in a Manger & Once in Royal David's City
Two English carols from the 19th century.
Grade: 1-3
Q0074
Bai Mudan - The White Peony - a Chinese folk song - performed by an ensemble at Fretfest, Peabody Preparatory (USA}, by Toa Payoh Guitar Club (Singapore}, St. Joseph’s Institution (Singapore) and by Ripasso Gitaarensemble (Netherlands).

Grades: 4,3,2,1
Q0057
Hong Dou Ci - The Red Bean Song - a Chinese folk song.
Grades: 4,2,2,1
Q0064
The Coventry Carol - performed by the Junior Guitar Ensemble, Guitar School, Sliven, Bulgaria
An English carol from the 16th century.
Grade: 1
Q0065
Drink to Me Only
An English air from around the year 1770
Grades: 1-3
Q0044
The Greenwood Tree
A 16th century English air.
Grades: 2-3
Q0008
In the Bleak Midwinter - arranged by Gustav Holst (and for guitar quartet by Andrew Forrest)
An English carol. Listen to Quarteto de Violões de Chapecó.
Grade: 1
Q0060
In Dulci Jubilo
An English carol.
Grades: 6,6,2,2
Q0061
Twelve Carols
The Truth Sent from Above; Deck the halls; O little one sweet, O little one mild (played by the Aroma Guitar Quartet); Good King Wenceslas; We three kings of Orient are; Come, come, come to the manger; See amid the winter's snow; The Coventry Carol; The Holly and the Ivy; Lullay My Liking; Personent Hodie; Veni, Veni Emmanuel.
Grades: 1-3
Q0067
Mall Simms - played here by Mike Eaves.
A Renaissance English Dance
Grade: 1-2
Q0002
Réveillez-vous, Picards
An old French (or more accurately, Picardian) song from the 15th century.
Grades: 3-4
Q0168
The Sage Leaf - (performed amazingly by Nepal Music Group RIFF) and, remotely, by the CGSC Orchestra.
Grades: 5,4,3,3
Q0047
The Shy Myze
The Mulliner Book, in the British Museum, contains over a hundred instrumental and vocal works by sixteenth century composers. The title may refer to a 'shy miss' or possibly 'La chemise' (protecting the former's modesty) - or both!
Grades: 2-4
Q0004
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 by Guitar Ensemble ‘Coda’, Bulgaria.

The Mulliner Book, in the British Museum, contains over a hundred instrumental and vocal works by sixteenth century composers.
Grades: 2-3
Q0001
Tyrolean Cradle Song
A popular Austrian carol - played here by DuJu and friends.
Grades: 1-2
Q0165
Veni, Veni, Emmanuel - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (thanks to Rees Davies,Guitar Instructor, Coram Deo Academy/Coppell Conservatory, North Texas, USA)
A French advent carol from the 15th century.
Grades: 0-2
Q0166
The Water is Wide - Interpreted by Wellington Guitar Circle, NZ and also by O Quarteto de Violões de Chapecó, Brasil
Another 16th century English air for guitar quartet.
Grades: 1-2
Q0190
 
Bach J.S.
Orchestral Suite No.1 (BWV1066)
Suite No. 1 (originally in C major was written for 2 oboes, bassoon, 2 violins, viola y basso continuo.
Grades: 5,5,2,3
Q0019
Orchestral Suite No.2 (BWV1067)
The Suite No. 2 (originally in B minor) was written for flute, 2 violins, viola and continuo.
Grades: 8,8,4,4 The first movement, Ouverture, is rather harder to play than the rest.
Q0005
Prelude No. 22 ( from the 48 Preludes & Fugues) - performed here 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) Grades: 2-3
Q0010
Fugue No. 23 - (from the 48 Preludes & Fugues)
Grades: 6,5,5,5
Q0011
Schafe können sicher weiden - (Sheep may safely graze) - Aria from BWV 208
Grades: 5,5,4,1
Q0113
Wachet auf - Choral from BWV140
Grades: 6,3,2,2
Q0099
Adagio (BWV 564)
(originally C major for organ)
Parts: gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4 - Grados: 6,1,1,1
Q0106
Barmby, J.
Sweet and Low
Grades: 1
Q0043
Bartók, B.
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
Q0300
Nine Pieces from 'For Children' - from the original for piano.
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 or Amazon Music.
Grades: 6,5,5,4
Q0301
Three Rondos on Slovak Folk Tunes - Sz.842
For 2 requintos, guitar and bass from the original for piano - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Grades: 8,8,8,8
Q0302
Evening in Transylvania - Sz.39 from the original for piano.
Grades: 5,3,3,2
Q0303
Boulanger, L.
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 on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.
For requinto, 2 guitars and bass. Grades: 7,7,6,6
Q0136
Boyce, W.
Heart of Oak - from Garrick's 1759 pantomime ‘Harlequin's Invasion’.
Grades: 1-3
Q0022
Byrd, W.
Sellingers Rownde
From the 16th century keyboard work.
Grades: 4-5
Q0203
Callino Casturame
Grades: 6,2,3,3
Q0204
Campion, T.
Never Weatherbeaten Sail - from The Book of Ayres
Grades: 3,2,1,1
Q0080
Faire, If You Expect Admiring - from The Book of Ayres
Grades: 1
Q0083
Corrette, M.
Le Phénix
Michel Corrette (1709-1795) was a composer and organist in Paris. Le Phénix was originally written for four bassoons (or bass viols) and continuo. By tuning the guitar's sixth string to D, the concerto can be played at its original pitch which allows the guitar to produce its richest sonorities. Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
(a substantial concert item....and is pure fun to play. Classical Guitar)
Grades: 3-5
Q0015
Debussy, C.
Passepied - No. 4 from Suite Bergamasca.
Grades: 6,6,5,7
Q0214
Donati, B.
Cinque Madrigali (1551) - Viva sempre in ogni etate (Canzonetta); Occhi lucenti assai; No pulice m'entrato n'ell orecchia; O dolce vita mia; Chi la gagliarda.
Canzonetta by Ensemble of Guitarist Music School, Chrudim, Teacher Eva Vítková,Czech Republic.
Grades: 4,2,2,2
O dolce vita mia
Chi la gagliarda
Q0014
Edwards, R.
When Griping Griefs - from the Mulliner book. Richard Edwards lived from 1523-66
Grades: 2-4
Q0141
 
Fauré, G
Berceuse - from Dolly Suite - Nicely played by Classical Guitar Ensemble "HanEum", Republic of Korea. Rather noisy sound quality.

Grades: 5,2,4,2
Q0197
Arr. Forrest, A.
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)
(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 arrangment 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)
Q0020
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)
Leaving of Liverpool
Berceuse from Dolly Suite
Q0025
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)
Cupararee or Graysin
Santa Lucia
Q0030
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)
Q0035
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)
Ye Banks and Braes
La Filadora
Q0040
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)
Grades: 6,2,3,3
La Réjouissance
Serenade
Q0045
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).
Listen to The South Wind performed by Pretoria High School for Girls here.
Grades: 3,2,2,2
Impromptu No.3
The South Wind
Brian Boru
Q0021
Andulko Safárova - A popular traditional Czech folk song.
Grades: 6,4,3,3
Q0155
Bulgarsk - A traditional Bulgarian melody - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music - and performed by Tunisia Guitar Quartet here.
Grades: 7,6,5,3
Q0121
Dorke - A traditional Bulgarian melody - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music
Grades: 7,6,5,4
Q0122
Bucimis - A traditional Bulgarian melody - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music
Grades: 8,8,6,6
Q0123
Maričensko - Pravo Horo - A traditional Bulgarian melody - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Grades: 6,5,5,4
Q0124
More Sokol Pie - A traditional Bulgarian melody - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Grades: 8,6,6,4
Q0125
Eleno Mome - A traditional Bulgarian melody - performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Grades: 8,8,6,6
Q0126
The Coolin
A traditional Irish melody- An Chúilfhionn
Grades: 4,3,2,2
Q0194
Fiddlers Playing
A song and dance from the Ukraine - played here by an impressive quintet of guitars.
Grades: 5,3,2,2
Q0052
My Love's An Arbutus
An old Irish air, arranged by Charles Villiers Stanford
Grades: 4,2,2,2
Q0143
Noches de Luna
A beautiful vidala from Argentina for guitar quartet or orchestra - performed in France by Ensemble de Guitares de Meynes et Remoulins and in Cambridge, UK by OLE Guitar Quartet.
Grades: 2-4
Q0120
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.
Grades: 4,2,2,2
Q0051
Forrest, A
Barcarowl - A piece in the style of a barcarole but with an echo of the bird of the night.
Grades: 4,2,2,2
Q0058
Bike Ride with Square Wheels - A little bit of sunshine for a damp English day during lockdown.
Grades: 2-3
Q0006
Champagnoise - after the C.16 French composer Claude Gervaise.
Grades: 2-3
Q0046
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 on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.
Grades: 4,3,3,3
Q0049
Greek Dance
As in Forrest Guitar Ensembles No.3, but in a different key and slightly harder.
Grades: 4,2,2,2
Q0032
going cuckoo
A little quartet, just for fun, to help students learn to listen to each other and to count.
Listen to O Quarteto de Violões de Chapecó, Brasil.
Grades: 0-1
Q0059
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.
Grades: 2-4
Q0048
Little Prelude for Lesley - (played by York Guitar Quartet) and also by the DPHS Guitar Ensemble and by MacRob Senior Guitar Ensemble
Grades: 3,3,3,3
Q0191
Pavan of Huntington - Played here by Falls Church High School Guitar ensemble.
Grades Initial-1
Q0050
Pavane of Welburn - Performed beautifully with good pictures of Welburn area by 4 guitarists in different countries - the Aroma (Remote) Quartet!
Played rather well
here by the Pretoria High School for Girls guitar ensemble, South Africa
Grades Initial -1
Q0016
Primavera - Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
A quartet influenced by flamenco modes and rhythms.
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades: 7-8
Q0156
Ogûn Gori na Balkana
Based on "Fires are burning on the mountains" - a Bulgarian folk song.
Parts: gtr1, gtr2, gtr3, gtr4 - Grades: 7-8
Q0053
Elegy - Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
For quartet of requinto, 2 guitars and bass - Grades 6-8
Q0054
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! Listen to La Orquesta de Guitarras del Conservatorio Plurinacional de Música de Bolivia in their fine performance.
Grades: 6,6,6,5
Q0151
Vyletel Vták - Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music
Based on "Bird above the Clouds" - a Slovak folk song
For quartet of requinto, 2 guitars and bass - Grades: 3-5
Q0107
Frescobaldi, G.
Canzon Quarti Toni (Missa degli Apostoli) - from Fiori musicali di compositioni (Venice, 1635)
Grades: 5,4,3,2
Q0192
Bergamasca - from Fiori musicali di compositioni (Venice, 1635)
Grades: 7,5,5,4
Q0193
 
Gervaise, C.
Eight Dances
Branlse de Bourgogne I; Galliard; Pavane; Branlse de Bourgogne II; Almande; Branlse de Champaigne; Pavane de la Guerre; Galliard de la Guerre.
Grades: 2-5
Q0055
Branlse de B.II
Pavanne, La Venissienne
Grades: 3,1,1,1
Q0056
Pavanne, Vous Qui Voulez
Grades: 1,1,1,1
Q0068
Handel G.F.
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
Grades: 2-5
Q0062
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).
Grades: 5,4,3,3
Sarabande
Air No.14
Q0270
Flute Suite from the Water Music - performed by the Conjunto de Guitarras del Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico and by Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School, Singapore in Allegro and Country Dance.

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.
Grades: 5,3,2,2
Q0160
Terpsicore - from the opera Il Pastor Fido
Prelude, Chacconne, Sarabanda, Gigue - the grades below refer to the Chacconne; the other movements are much easier.
Grades: 8,3,2,5
Q0176
Haydn, J.
German Dance No. 4
Grades: 5,2,21,1
Q0164
German Dance No. 12 - played here by members of Wellington Guitar Circle
Grades: 4,2,1,1
Q0161
Serenade- from String Quartet Op.3 No.5
Grades: 5,1,1,1
Q0170
Henry VIII
Hélas Madame - Including part for solo guitar.
Grades: 1,2,2,3,(4)
Q0078
Arr. Holst, G.
Lullay My Liking - 15th century English carol set by Gustav Holst.
Grades: 1-2
Q0071
Jusić, Đ
Stare Ljubavi - A song from Croatia.
Grades: 5,3,3,3
Q0195
 
Mackenzie, J.
Quartet (A Great Quirky Trout) - Performed by York Guitar Quartet on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music in 3 movements for 1 requinto, 2 standard tenor guitars and 1 bass. This is a fine original work, written for the York Guitar Quartet in 2004, and ideally suited to the medium.
Grades: 7-8
Q0072
Monton, M.
Yellow Bird (Choukoun) - a 19th century song from Haiti based on an earlier French berceuse.
Grades: 1-2
Q0130
Moszkowski, M.
Spanish Dance No.1
Parts: rqto, gtr2, gtr3, bass - Grades 8,8,6,7
Q0167
Mozart, W.A.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - reformatted in 2021.
Listen to the 1st movement here performed by the Orquesta de Guitarras del Conservatorio Simón Bolívar and also by Guitar Ensemble ‘Coda’ and by Bangalore Conservatory Guitar Ensemble.
Grades: 4-7
Q0075
Nin, J.
Granadina - Guitar quartet (or Orchestra)
Grades: 4-6
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.
Q0085
Saeta - Guitar quartet (or Orchestra)
Grades: 4-6
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.
Q0097
 
Pachelbel, J.
Canon (the famous one!) and Gigue
performed by the Fourte Guitar Quartet here.
Grades: 3-6
Q0091
Pergolasse, G.B.
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: 7,6,5,2
Q0082
Peschin, G.
Three Pieces (Oft Wünsch Ich Ir; Mag Ich Zuflucht; Dort niden an dem Rheyne)
Grades: 2,1,1,1
Q0218
Poulenc, F.
Suite Française
Bransle de Bourgogne; Pavane; Petite Marche Militaire; Complainte; Bransle de Champagne; Sicilienne; Carillon.
… 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.
Performed by York Guitar Quartet en Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. Also performed here by the MDW Guitar Ensemble.
Grades: 4-6
Pavane
B. de Champagne
Carillon
Q0090
Praetorius, M.
Spagnoletta - from the Masque 'Terpsichore'
Grades: 2-3
Q0087
Ten Dances from Terpsichore
A selection of my favourites.
Grades 5,3,2,2
Q0086
Ravel, M.
Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant - from Ma Mère, L'Oye (Mother Goose Suite)
Grades: 2,1,0,0
Q0024
Ravenscroft, T.
Martin Said To His Man
From Deuteromelia (1609) - a book of early English part songs.
Grades: 4,2,2,2
Q0100
Scarlatti, D.
Sonata Longo 23
Grades: 7,5,3,1
Q0093
Susato, T.
Eight Pieces from the Danserye(1551)
Ronde; Allemande; Pavane: ’Tausend Dukaten’; Schäfertanz; King's Dance; Ronde:'Warum'; Pass et medio; Mohrentanz (La Mourisque).
Grades: 3,2,2,2
Q0150
Tallis, T.
Fond Youth is a Bubble
Grades: 1-2
Q0084
Tromboncino, B.
Cinque Frottole - from the 15th-16th century.

Se ben hor non scopro il foco;
Su, su, leva, alza la ciglia;
Non val acqua
Por chio vado
Ostinato vo’ seguire

Grades: 2-5
Q0216
Vásquez. J.
Three Pieces by the composer Juan Valdez (c.1500 - c.1560)
Grades: 4-5
Q0202
Vivaldi, A.
Interlude by the Fireside - from L'Inverno de "Il Cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione" Opus 8 No. 4 of The Four Seasons.
Grades: 4-5
Q0250
Aria - Ch'alla Colpa fa' traggitto - from Armida, al Campo d'Egitto, RV 699, Act II, Scene 16
Grados: 6,6,3,2
Q0251