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custom sheet music for strings

Why Not Use Your Time to Improvise?

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During this uncertain period when so many people are spending long periods at home, why not use your time to improvise? Below are four well known string pieces, which could be used as an inspirational starting point:

The Lark Ascending

It’s a good idea to start with a sense of structure. The key here is G major and the time signature 6/8. The mood is gentle, romantic and flowing with a sustained tune and some interspersed faster notes to give the sense of fluttering wings. Try improvising an opening section which  alternates long notes followed by some faster notes. Lead this into a long sustained tune. Then end by repeating your opening.

Autumn from The Four Seasons

This is F major and in 3/8. The dotted rhythms create much of the confident character. Try starting and ending with the same dotted rhythm section. In the middle create a slightly different feel with more bouncy rhythms. Keep it all in the major.

Waltz from Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings

The flowing waltz  is the character here. It’s 3/4 and in G major. See how many bars you can keep going by playing a happy, relaxed waltz in G.

Pirates of the Caribbean

A minor is the key here and the time is 12/8. The characteristics of the music are fast bows, strong rhythms, accents and a sense of brutality and suspense. Try some fast bows followed by a fast rhythmic tune with plenty of crescendos and some forte passages.

 

Cello Orchestras

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Cello orchestras are relatively rare. But the best ones can sound surprisingly good, given that a cello orchestra is composed of only one instrument. Compare the two versions below of ‘Tonight’ from West Side Story. The first is played by the London Cello Orchestra and the one underneath is full orchestra. Both are good, but I prefer the cello orchestra – maybe because the tune is so well suited to strings.

Variety

The problem with one instrument for a full recital is the lack of variety of sound. But the cello has the advantage of having a huge range – making it suitable for the tune and accompaniment. Although sometimes including just one extra instrument ( like the drum in the extract below) can be very effective:

New Sheet Music

We hope to be adding some cello string quartet arrangements – which could be played by cello orchestras – to our online shop soon. Meanwhile, if you’d like to commission a work for cello orchestra visit our custom music for strings’ page here

Arranging music for Cello Quartet

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I have just started arranging music for cello quartet. This is new for me.Previously I have only written music for two instruments: string duet or cello and piano.

How is quartet writing different?

As far as I can see so far it is essential that there is a clear tune in the quartet throughout. Unlike duos, where there are two soloistic parts alternately accompanying and playing the tune, in a quartet most of the parts are accompaniment at any time. It’s important that the melodic line in the accompaniment, as well as in the tune, makes sense. And, as you see in Puccini scores – you can sometimes double the line of the tune with another part and it’s effective. Having two or one people playing on their own in places varies the texture. Special effects – like tremolos, col legno, slides, pizz – are just as effective as in duets.And rhythm – as in all chamber music – is crucial. You can see many of these aspects of good quartet writing in the cello quartet arrangement below:

Repertoire so far

So far I am in the middle of arranging three short quartets for an ensemble that is starting at the beginning of February. If you are interested in having a bespoke cello or violin quartet, or indeed a standard quartet, arranged or composed for you, contact us here
arranging music for cello quartet                                                                                   The Prague Cello Quartet

Some inspiring cello quartets

Below are some inspiring (though varied) examples of cello quartets.

I love the improvisation at the beginning of this…  and the sunglasses…

Bespoke Sheet Music for Strings

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One of the services we offer at Fedora Strings is custom sheet music for strings. Most people feel this is a luxury – a bit like hiring an interior designer. But in the same way that interior designers can be far less expensive than you think , having an arrangement created for you isn’t always pricey. It’s  a bit ( but not quite) like a suit, in that it can be individually tailored to your specification!

bespoke sheet music for strings

Make contact for Bespoke Sheet Music for Strings

The first step is to have a chat with us  about exactly what you would like. Is the custom sheet music for strings for a special occasion or for a present? Is it to play with friends? Would you like it to be a particular standard – easy, intermediate, advanced? Prices start at £50. There’s a small deposit to pay, but if you aren’t delighted with the final piece we won’t charge you any more.

wedding collection

Repertoire

You can choose an arrangement of classical music, a folk song, a nursery rhyme, a carol or a new composition. We write for custom sheet music for strings and can arrange solos, duets, trios, quartets and for string orchestra. We can also vary the standard of the music in different parts if required so that beginners can play with more advanced players. And we always aim to be creative and imaginative in our writing for strings.

bespoke music for strings

Why ask for a bespoke music arrangement?

I suppose the answer to this is so that you can enjoy music as much as possible. A bespoke arrangement or composition will be adapted to what you want and you are therefore likely to enjoy it more.And we can add some exciting special effects which are not technically hard and will add character and be fun.

So…

…the main thing is, if you’re interested in a custom arrangement contact us. We may be able to come up with ideas you haven’t thought of that would really be effective for you. And having an initial  chat implies no obligation.

two people discussing sheet music