https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgROOI-A0sc


Downton Abbey was a much loved TV series that ran for six seasons capturing the hearts of many across the world. The composer of the music, John Lunn, won two Primetime Emmys for the hauntingly beautiful score. I have arranged this wonderful piece for quartet/string orchestra, as well as for violin and piano, and cello and piano, and will probably do so again for other instruments. Make sure that you listen to the clip as well as watch the video, as the clip has been mastered since recording.

Technically, this quartet can be performed by professionals or by quite young players. There are lots of opportunities for open strings and easy positions, and experienced players can explore more complex positions with full vibrato. However, the triplets in the inner parts will need an extremely tight touch if the piece is not to sag and slow down! Perhaps younger players could try the triplets three to a bow. Cellists will need some fourth position at bars 16 and 18. If this is tricky, play bar 16 in first position and shorten the third beat of bar 16 from a previous dotted crotchet to a quaver. In bar 18 it is not possible to play this note an octave down though, as it needs to be above the viola here. First violins can change the bow whenever it runs out on the long notes eg Bars 11-13. Capriccio Quartet take a fast tempo here too, but younger players could slow it down considerably. I would love to hear this done by a string orchestra, so let me know if you perform it. I can be found very easily on Facebook

Downton Abbey was a much loved TV series that ran for six seasons capturing the hearts of many across the world. The composer of the music, John Lunn, won two Primetime Emmys for the hauntingly beautiful score. I have arranged this wonderful piece for violin and piano, as well as for cello and piano, and string quartet/string orchestra. The 30 sec clip is done on Sibelius software as I have not yet been able to record this piece live, but if you search my Youtube Channel, Skinny Black Dogs, Capriccio Quartet, you can see and hear the live version. The harmony and structure is exactly the same.

The piece is suitable for Grade 5 ABRSM and above as it will need to make use of some positions other than first position, though open strings could be used too in lots of places. The tempo I have chosen for the clip is fast but it could also be played much slower without losing impact. At Bar 11 the cellist will need to change the bow discreetly when it runs out. This was great fun to arrange so I hope you enjoy playing it.

The blockbuster movie "Fifty Shades of Grey" was released in 2015 - and it was universally panned by critics. However, the movie's original soundtrack received much higher acclaim, and The Weeknd's single "Earned It" ended up receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. This string quartet arrangement brings the same sensuous feel, call-and-response echoes, dynamic contrasts, and exciting tension as the original, and even maintains the original song's dramatic string lines and tremolos! Great for pop concerts, dinners and events, or even weddings - this arrangement was initially commissioned for a bride's processional song. Rated advanced for the tricky rhythms and interlocking parts - this will be sightreadable for professionals, but probably a good idea to look it over first. Listen to the original song to get a feel for the rubato introduction and the slow but steady tempo. And above all, have fun! :)


Sarah "Cellobat" Chaffee earned her bachelor's degree in cello performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and is now based in Las Vegas. She currently performs with Aerosmith in their "Deuces Are Wild" residency at The Park MGM Theater on the Las Vegas Strip. Sarah is also the principal cellist in David Perrico's Pop Strings Orchestra, a 14-piece band that performs every Friday and Saturday at Caesars Palace, and she plays regularly for Premiere Wedding Music and Bella Electric Strings. Sarah has performed and recorded with many other artists including Halsey, Disturbed, M�tley Cr�e, Celine Dion, Kygo, Ricky Martin, Sarah Brightman, Il Divo, and Lady Antebellum. She can be found at:
http://www.cellobat.com
http://www.instagram.com/cellobat
http://www.youtube.com/c/SarahCellobatChaffee

Debbie Vinick's arrangement of this iconic Beatles song is simple yet beautiful. The classic melody is accompanied by slow arpeggios in the left hand. It's a wonderful addition to your Beatles repertoire. One page of music

DebbieVinick began playing the piano and harp at age 8. She attended Juilliard'spre-college division and graduated from Eastman and Yale Schools of Music. Sheperforms throughout the Northeast and has an active teaching studio of piano and harp students. She loves arranging music that is playable and beautiful. Please search her name for more arrangements!

She would love to hear from you! Ifyou have any questions, comments, or would like an online lesson, pleasecontact:

www.harpistct.com

https://www.instagram.com/debbie_vinick_harpist/

https://www.facebook.com/ctharpist