Corda Music - Easy & Intermediate Guitar Quartets


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Many of these pieces will suit ensembles with players of varied abilities. Please contact us if you would like more detail about a particular item.

Reading levels of difficulty for ensembles ( A / B / C / D etc ) explained at: Grading




CMP 247

OJOS AZULES  Andean folksong arranged for 4 guitars by Ian Gammie

£6.50

This beautiful melody from the altiplano of Peru and Bolivia is the melancholy lament of a mother with a newborn infant, abandoned by the unfaithful father. The arrangement sees the tune passed between the instruments, with variations and a tambora effect on chords to imitate the native Amerindian drum beat.  A recoprding of this piece can be heard at www.cordamusic.co.uk/recording. Recording  Duration approx 3 min 20 secs.

Level B/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 248

A  FIRST  SCOTTISH  MEDLEY  Five Scottish traditional songs arranged for beginners' guitar ensemble.

£5.00

Five Scottish traditional songs arranged for beginners' guitar ensemble, essentially for two guitar groups and a chordal accompaniment for teacher or fluent chord player.  The tunes are:  Loch Lomond, Ye Banks & Braes, John Anderson my Jo,  Skye Boat Song and A Hundred Pipers.

Level B/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 251

VILLANCICO with variations by Ian Gammie

£6.00

A well known Spanish melody artfully elaborated for guitar quartet or large ensemble. Designed for players of mixed abilities, the Guitar 4 part is provided in treble and in bass clef, so that part can either be doubled at the octave below or one of the instruments can be omitted. There are chord symbols which can be used to provide a strummed background. There is also an ad lib flute part which doubles Guitar 1 if a flute or other melody instrument is available.

Level B/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 252

MAÑANITAS for ensemble of mixed abilities, arranged by Ian Gammie

£5.00

A most familiar traditional Mexican song, often used as a morning serenade at a young lady's window or as a birthday song. The tune with three sets of variations is shared between Guitars 1 and 2. Guitar 1 goes up to the 12th fret, Guitars 2 and 3 stay within the first five frets. The fourth guitar plays a strummed chord accompaniment, and there is a simple bass part ad lib if a bass instrument is available.

Level D/B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 254

GUAJIRA for ensemble of mixed abilities, arranged and variation by Ian Gammie

£5.00

An iconic Cuban song, one of the anthems of the Cuban revolution but with roots back to 1891 and the poet José Martí whose lyrics were used in the song. Two melodic parts, plus a bass line supplied in treble and bass clef as Guitar 3. The 4th Guitar plays a strummed rhythm accompaniment. This piece works also as a trio (2 upper parts and chord accompaniment omitting the bass) or as quartet (this includes the bass part as Guitar 3, or a bass instrument sounding an octave lower can be used). The extended arrangement of the tune includes a variation.

Level D/B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 255

LA TARARA traditional Spanish melody with variations by Ian Gammie

£5.00

Good for ensembles of mixed abilities. The title means a trumpet call. There are three melodic parts plus Guitar 4 which is a chord/rhythm part and optional bass. Guitar 4 is also supplied in bass clef in case a bass instrument is available.

Level C/B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 263

TANGO BETULÁCEO Quartet for mixed abilities, by Ian Gammie

£6.00

A zingy tango with Guitar 1 part at approx Grade 3 - 4 level, Guitars 2 and 3 rather easier. The 4th Guitar part is for chords, strumming rhythm. The majority of players in a larger ensemble should be concentrated on Guitars 1 and 2. Guitar 3 is also available in bass clef for a bass guitar ad lib. The piece is designed so that a teacher or director of ensemble can alternatively play Guitar 3 mixed with some strummed chords, while all other players take Guitars 1 and 2. This is a useful option for smaller ensembles or school groups of less experienced players. The piece is dedicated to Heather Taylor and her Guitar Ensemble from Huddersfield, England.

Level D/B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 264

EL DESEMBRE CONGELAT (LA NIT DE NADAL) with variations by Ian Gammie

£6.00

Suitable for a large ensemble. A famous Catalan Christmas carol arranged so that the Guitar 1 part reaches to the 15th fret, but only with single notes, while Guitars 2 and 3 take either a harmonic role or play the tune when Guitar 1 is descanting above it. Guitar 4 is a bass part, playable either on a standard guitar or an octave lower on a bass instrument. There is also a combined part to play Guitars 3 and 4 on one instrument. Extra parts supplied for various modes of performance, — it can be done as a Trio or Quartet.

Level B / D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 267

HARBOUR LANTERNS for 4 Guitars by Ginette Eady

£4.50

An easy ensemble evoking a nostalgic night time view across Hong Kong harbour. Gtr 1 is a little more demanding than the other parts. Level of difficulty A/B

Level A/ B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 20p each

 

CMP 282

J.S.Bach A SECOND BOOK of CHORALES – arranged for 4 Guitars

£6.00

A selection from Bach's own varied arrangements of the chorale Herzlich thut mich verlangen plus a setting of the same tune as a Chorale Prelude by Johann Pachelbel. The melody is passed alternately from Guitar 1 to Guitar 2, and the wonderfully varied harmonies of each setting are a joy for all the ensemble. There are some high notes (up to 14th fret), but nothing too taxing - the main rehearsal requirement is getting the ensemble together rather than getting fingers around the frets. See also CMP 283

Level B/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 20p each

 

CMP 283

A THIRD BOOK of BACH CHORALES – arranged for 4 Guitars

£7.00

Also for players of equal abilities (see above CMP 282). 3 chorale preludes by Kindermann, Walter and Zachow, with five settings by J.S.Bach using the chorale tune (Was mein Gott will, das gescheh' allzeit). Profound music, from the Matthew Passion and various cantatas. See also CMP 282

Level C/D

Score and 2 sets of parts £4.75 - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 285

J.S.Bach AIR from Suite in G arranged for 4 Guitars

£5.50

The famous Air on a G string (the violin's, not the lady's) arranged by David Watson for performance by intermediate players, with a bass ad lib doubling Guitar 4.

Level B/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 20p each

 

CMP 291

SOUTH OF THE BORDER - 4 Guitars, (also trio and quintet versions)

£8.00

Two rumbustious Mexican tunes Ay, Ay, Ay! and La Bamba. The Guitar 1 part is generally higher and a little harder than the others, and there are various combinations for performance (all parts included in the basic edition), so that the piece can be done as a trio, quartet or quintet. Ideally suited to a large ensemble.

Level B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 305

GRANDPA's GARDEN (4 guitars, bass ad lib)

£5.00

English Country Gardens and Grandfather's Clock. 3 melody parts with Guitar 4 in two options: either as a written, arpeggiated chord part (probably more suited to the teacher), or divided into treble and bass as Guitar 4a and Guitar 4b, making them much easier. There is a bass part ad lib in bass clef.

Level B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 306

A SUSATO SELECTION for 4 Guitars

£5.00

Eight Renaissance dances from the 16th century part books of Tielman Susato, including the famous Battle Pavan. This newly typeset edition is still compatible with the earlier edition. It includes one new piece and also a trio version of all the pieces for use with less experienced ensembles, the top two melody parts remaining the same, while a teacher or experienced player plays the two lower parts on one guitar (a composite part for this version is included in the basic edition)

Level B/C

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 313

SCARBOROUGH FAIR

£4.50

Theme and a set of variations on the folk song made famous by Simon and Garfunkel. Guitars 1, 2 and 3 have a single line melodic part, the fourth guitar plays an accompaniment from chord symbols.

Level B/C

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p

 

CMP 318

A MOZART SELECTION

£3.50

The duet La ci darem from Don Giovanni and the Minuet from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, arranged by Bob Power. See also CMP 382

Level C/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p

 

CMP 319

A HANDEL SELECTION

£4.00

Air from The Water Music and A Harpsichord Air arranged by Bob Power. The middle parts are quite easy but the first guitar part is more demanding as it has continuous running semi-quavers in the Harpsichord Air..

Level C/E

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 327

ARENA y SOL - Ian Gammie

£4.00

A Spanish-style fantasy for ensemble of mixed abilities, with an optional ripieno part from which inexperienced players can play single notes or chord players can strum chords in flamenco style.

Level B/C

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 328

NORWICH GUITAR SUITE – by John Gibbs (4 guitars, bass ad lib)

£5.00

4 portraits of local scenes by this Norfolk based composer. Guitar 1 needs Grade 5 players, Guitar 3 is easy, the other two parts somewhere in between. Bass ad lib, but recommended for best sonority

Level B/E

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 331

FIRST NOTES TOGETHER - Book 1 (three easy guitar parts and teacher's accompaniment)

£4.50

Very easy pieces based on the tunes already learned in Bob Power's First Notes on the Guitar Book 1, with an obbligato 4th guitar part in the score for the teacher or a more advanced chord player. See also CMP 363 to 367 - Books 2-7 and CMP 005 - FIRST NOTES on the GUITAR

Level A/A

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 50p each

 

CMP 335

SINKAPACE AND ALMAIN

£3.50

The anonymous Sinkapace Galliard and Thomas Robinson's Almain arranged as quartets by Bob Power.

Level B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 20p each

 

CMP 337

A LITTLE SPANISH SUITE : Part 1

£5.50

A Waltz and a Habanera in extrovert Spanish style by Bob Power. The guitar 4 part is mostly strummed chords and can be played by a teacher or fluent chord player, while the other 3 parts are melodic lines only.

Level B/C

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 343

DANNY BOY (Melody from the film Memphis Belle) 3 or 4 Guitars

£4.00

The haunting Irish melody arranged for trio or quartet (plus optional bass) with a final section in jazz swing tempo, where it is useful to have a rhythm guitar player in the ensemble.

Level C/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 362

FIRST NOTES TOGETHER : Book 2 by Bob Power

£4.00

Very easy trios (Yankee Doodle, Bluebells of Scotland, Aunt Rhodie, My Bonnie) based on the tunes already learned in Bob Power's First Notes on the Guitar Book 1, with an obbligato 4th guitar part in the score for the teacher. See also CMP 005 - First Notes on the Guitar

Level A

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 363

FIRST NOTES TOGETHER : Book 3 by Bob Power

£4.50

Easy trios with an arpeggiated chord part obbligato as Guitar 4, based on the tunes from First Notes on Guitar Book 2 (Skye Boat Song, Quartermaster's Store, Streets of Laredo). See also CMP 002 - First Notes on the Guitar

See also CMP 002 - First Notes on the Guitar

Level A

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 364

FIRST NOTES TOGETHER : Book 4 by Bob Power

£4.50

Easy trios with arpeggiated chord part as Guitar 4, based on the tunes from First Notes on Guitar Book 2 (Banks of Ohio, Lullaby, Little Man, Cockles and Mussels, Trezza). See also CMP 002 - First Notes on the Guitar

Level A

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 365

FIRST NOTES TOGETHER : Book 5

£5.00

Easy trios from First Notes on Guitar Series (This Old Man, Lieber Augustin, Scarboro' Fair, Old MacDonald and Waltz). Three guitars plus accompaniment in arpeggios for teacher or experienced chord player. See also CMP 005, CMP 002 - First Notes on the Guitar

Level A

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 366

FIRST NOTES TOGETHER : Book 6

£5.00

Easy trios including: Ländler, The Queen's Marys, Spanish Romance, Czech Folksong and Burebubli. Three guitars plus arpeggio accompaniment.

Level A

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 367

FIRST NOTES TOGETHER : Book 7

£5.00

Easy trios including: Greensleeves, Ash Grove, El Noy de la Mare and J'ai du bon Tabac. Three guitars plus obbligato arpeggio accompaniment as Guitar 4.

Level A/B

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 368

A FIRST POPULAR MEDLEY – arranged by Ian Gammie

£6.00

Three melody guitars, with a chord accompaniment for the fourth guitar and a bass part ad lib.: Kingston Calypso, Amazing Grace, Llantiero, My Bonnie lies over the Ocean. The Guitar 1 part reaches the 12th fret, but has an alternative Capo part at the 5th fret to make it much easier, - it is also playable on Requinto tuned in A. The other two parts are first position, Grade 1 - 2. The final piece (My Bonnie) ends with a jolly, jazzed up chorus. The accompaniment in the Guitar 4 part is improvised from chord symbols.

Level B/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 377

JESU JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING - J.S. Bach : arranged by David Watson

£6.00

This arrangement of the famous chorale from Cantata 147 requires a player of Grade 3-4 on the triplet descant line. The piece can be performed by trio, quartet or quintet. The slow-moving Chorale and harmony can be played on 1, 2 or 3 separate guitars. If played by one guitar (who then has to play three-part harmony throughout), this player will need to be approx. grade 5 ability. If divided between two players, one player at least will need to be approx Grade 4. But if the Chorale and harmony is divided between three players the parts are all easy enough for Grade 1-2. The bass line is fairly easy (approx Grade 2). All parts are contained in the basic edition, including transposed capo parts to make high notes easy to read for the inexperienced. All parts can be doubled with extra players if available. Also listed in the Trio and Quintet catalogues, and there is a duet version CMP 226 Guitar Duets

Level B/D

Basic edition has score and all various parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 382

A SECOND MOZART SELECTION

£5.50

Romance from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Rondo from Sonata K545. A tuneful and straightforward arrangement, with all parts of more or less equal playing standard. See also CMP 318

Level C

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 387

SEASIDE ROCK - Two Coastal Quartets : Derek Hasted

£7.00

Brighton Early and Hove Tuesday. Two groovy pieces by Derek Hasted needing good ensemble for syncopations but no great technical difficulty with the actual notes and fingering.

Level C

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 389

FIVE TO SEVEN : Derek Hasted

£7.00

Cloud Five, Six and Two Threes, Seventh Heaven. Three quartets by Derek Hasted in unusual time signatures, not technically difficult for notes and very pleasing music to play, but needing a good sense of accuracy and rhythm for the ensemble.

Level C/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 398

PASS' e MEZZO Variations on a Ground Bass : by Ian Gammie

£5.50

Variations on a 16th Century Ground Bass using the tune of Greensleeves, for an ensemble of mixed abilities. 4 melody parts and a chord part ad lib

Level B/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 25p each

 

CMP 502

A DORIMIX - Bob Power. (4 or 5 guitars with bass ad lib)

£6.50

In swing tempo. A very tuneful exploration of the Dorian mode ideally suited to the less experienced, with hints on improvising when extra repeated sections are played. It can be performed by varying numbers of players, as some of the inner parts can be omitted ad lib if there is a chord accompaniment to fill the harmony.

Level C

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 504

YOU ALONE - Ian Gammie. (4 guitars, plus rhythm guitar, bass ad lib.)

£6.50

A gentle ballad number in straight tempo; the lower three parts are within the range of less experienced players, Guitar 1 needs a slightly more advanced player. Various performance options provided, depending on the number of players available. Improvisations can be done if sections are repeated. There are some instructions for players unfamiliar with improvising.

Level C/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each

 

CMP 508

LULLABY of SOLIHULL - Ian Gammie. (4 guitars, bass ad lib)

£6.00

A swinging jazz number with some written solos and ideas for improvising. An affectionate tribute to the great George Shearing. 3 melody parts and a rhythm guitar, with bass ad lib. Various performance options are available, depending on the number of players in the ensemble.

Level C/D

Score and 2 sets of parts - extra parts 30p each



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