Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a popular movement from the classical repertoire that can be arranged for many different combinations of instruments. This arrangement for guitar trio requires two six string and a 4 string bass. In the PlentyMusic realisation electric guitars have been used and the pdf download has conventional notation and TAB charts in place. Improve music practice routines by downloading this sheet music score and accompaniments from PlentyMusic. The music possesses classical beauty and is sustained in its quality and whilst attributed to Haydn is now known to have been composed by Roman Hoffstetter. The melody does sound easy to play although there are challenges in playing music of this era well and musically. In a performance, the articulation of the notes needs to be consistent - the melody is to be played legato whilst the guitar and bass accompaniments offer an appropriate contrasting accompaniment. A tempo in the range from 90-102 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar is suggested. Individual parts are appended to the full score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. The repeats which are not marked in the video score do not play in the realisation or video score. mp3 piano accompaniments are available playing at 86, 90, 94, 98 and 102 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The accompaniments provide the guitar 1 player with the opportunity to practice in an ensemble context. A two bar click track sounding on a wood block can be heard at the opening of the accompaniments establishing the tempo. An ideal concert item because the music epitomises so much of classical style although surprisingly not composed by one of the famous and familiar classical composers. It’s a movement that gives opportunity to players to learn much about classical music from the playing, musicianship and theoretical perspectivies. The repetitive element in the melodic writing is strong whilst the melody line combines chordal and stepwise shapes. The appoggiaturas do often create dissonance in the melodic line whilst the chromatic harmonic colour add to the music’s appeal and interest. In the PlentyMusic sheet music score pdf available for download the appoggiaturas (leaning notes) have been notated as they are to be played whilst the acciaccaturas (crushed notes) are indicated as ornaments with the appropriate symbol. The ornaments, acciaccaturas (crushed notes) are probably best omitted in the early stages of playing the movement. This is an excellent movement for developing an understanding of performance practice and the understanding of dissonance, harmonic rhythm and other musical elements that feature in compositions from the classical era. One of the best reasons to play classical music is that it is a positive element in giving players an awareness of basic structures and shapes in music. Additionally, it is also one of the best ways of developing a secure performing/playing technique on an instrument. Classical style features elements of contrast particularly with regard to key and dynamics. As there is also a strong repetitive element that requires the music to played with both simplicity and consistency. The melody can be played with a variety of articulations but in the first instance particularly as an ensemble piece a legato approach is suggested. How the melody is shaped and played in the opening section is how the melody should be played for the rest of the movement. Listening to a number of performances of the score the music it is surprising how different interpretations can be particularly in respect to tempo, articulation of the melody line, the range of dynamics used and particularly the interpretation of ornaments whether appoggiaturas or acciaccaturas. Instrumentalists should appreciate that classical music can be interpreted differently and what is indicated on the page particularly with regard to ornamentation, phrasing and articulation are discussion points. Listening to available recordings will give an awareness how differently the same music can be played but appreciate that the music editor has been intent upon producing a score that is both consistent and has clarity. Roman Hoffstetter, the composer of this music, was interestingly a Benedictine monk, strongly influenced by Haydn in his music so much so that this perfect imitation of Haydn’s style has in the past been assimilated into Haydn’s own catalogue.
