Nola by Felix Arndt arr. guitar duo + TAB. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. guitar duo + TAB. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged during the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. Guitar parts are appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Guitar accompaniments are in place allowing guitars to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The guitar accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the solo. Classical, steel and electric guitar are all appropriate although an acoustic sound has been used in the accompaniments. A TAB score is also available in this guitar duo version. Appreciate that there are some octave transpositions in the parts required to keep to the range of the instrument. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. The TAB score does have its limitations in that it is just a rather literal interpretation of the parts. There are probably better options for guitar players. In the TAB part the triplet numbers have been hidden to avoid confusion. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is definitely music ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance move references in the music The triplet swing pattern imbues this music. Close
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. guitar duo. The composition dates from 1915 and is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that e Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. guitar duo. The composition dates from 1915 and is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character it is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. Guitar parts are appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Guitar accompaniments are in place allowing guitars to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The guitar accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the Guitar 1 solo. Classical, steel and electric guitar are all appropriate although an acoustic sound has been used in the #PlentyMusic recordings. Appreciate that there are some octave transpositions in the parts required to keep to the range of the instrument. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is music that can be viewed as being ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in the choices of formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because 1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance patterns referenced in the music. Close
J.S. Bach’s Invention 9 BWV 780 arranged electric guitar & bass guitar duo in its original key of F minor. A challenging invention to play particula Show More...
J.S. Bach’s Invention 9 BWV 780 arranged electric guitar & bass guitar duo in its original key of F minor. A challenging invention to play particularly from the note reading point of view. The #sheetmusic video plays back at 58 bpm and the music is presented in both staff notation & TAB. The arrangement is based on the original piano score. There are many accidentals to read and it is easy to make music reading errors. A legato playing approach is required in the playing in what is a slow tempo and melancholy movement. In the sheet music score the ornaments are indicated but do not sound. The ornamentation in place is placed at the important cadence points in the movement. In the keyboard video score, which guitar players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. The full score is presented in staff notation and the parts with the option of staff notation and TAB. Bass guitar players may well want to experiment with the octave choices in the higher sounding sections bars 5-7 and elsewhere in the movement. Accompaniments are in place allowing guitarists to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The electric guitar sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bass guitar on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. Playing the music of Bach is challenging and his style is demanding and uncompromising in the consistency required to perform it accurately. As a composer Bach is not so much an innovator but one of those who brings all the musical elements of his time together and takes them to an altogether much higher artistic and technical level. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation & diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent ensemble movements. Close
J.S.Bach’s Invention 10 BWV 781 in an arrangement for electric & bass guitar duo in the original key of G. This Invention features many musical sha Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 10 BWV 781 in an arrangement for electric & bass guitar duo in the original key of G. This Invention features many musical shapes based on chords and consequently lends itself to chord playing instruments. The realisation plays back at 84 dotted quarter (crotchet) note beats to the minute. Whilst score detail is generally not in place on Bach scores although it is necessary for instrumentalists to have a clear intention of how the music is to be played. Guitar players have the option of using either a notated or TAB score. As notes can be played in different positions on the electric and bass guitar fretboards players may well want to review the suggestions given in the PlentyMusic TAB scores. Players should listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. Remember also that movements cannot be played quickly until they be played slowly! In the video score, ornaments are indicated by symbols but do not sound in the playback. For instrumentalists wishing to incorporate ornamentation into their performances refer to the piano realisation featured on our YouTube channel which has the ornamentation written out exactly as the music editor suggests they should be played. https://youtu.be/xuQK5i2lf44 Ornamentation is an aspect of performance that invites different and frequently contrasting interpretations. Bach’s music belongs to the baroque era and whilst the composer himself was quite clear about the ornaments he used and how they should be played later editors of his music have often added to original intentions. The inventions are also probably best studied in the first instance without ornaments in place. An additional factor is that the intended instrument on which the inventions were played, the harpsichord, is one that does not feature sustained sounds. Long notes as such require some sort of addition, hence the need for ornamentation. Another view or approach to ornamentation is that apart from adding to the music they should have a sense of being improvised. The music editor has chosen not to double ornaments where they occur in both voices simply because it lessens the contrast in the parts. Accompaniments are in place allowing guitarists to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The electric guitar sounds on one side of the stereo channel and bass guitar on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 96 100 104 and 108 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. There is two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. There are three dotted quarter or crotchet beats to the bar indicated by the 9/8 time signature. Should more accompaniments be required at either slower or faster tempi please advise the PlentyMusic office. Whilst the ornaments are indicated in the sheet music score they do not sound in the accompaniment scores. For those intending to play the ornaments refer to the piano sheet music video on our YouTube channel. In this score the ornaments have been written out as they should be played. https://youtu.be/xuQK5i2lf44 The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation and diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure technique. Close
J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 arranged for electric guitar and bass guitar is a work exploring the minor scale. The chromatic element in the mov Show More...
J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 arranged for electric guitar and bass guitar is a work exploring the minor scale. The chromatic element in the movement is strong and the accidentals make this a challenging score to read and commit to memory. The best preparation for playing this movement is to play the minor scale appropriately transposed in both its forms slowly until the sound of each is familiar. The original keyboard version of the 15 Bach Inventions are in 15 different keys and provide excellent examples to familiarisers players with the key system. Ornaments are not in place in this arrangement. The full music score is presented in staff notation and the attached parts are in staff notation and TAB. The guitar is an instrument where the same note can be played on different strings so players may well wish to review the rather literal translation of the notes to TAB. The playback score in the arrangement for the electric guitar and bass guitar has a tempo of 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. The suggestion is that the movement can be played both at slower and faster tempo. The inventions are concentrated demanding movements to play in an ensemble context but excellent for encouraging listening skills, good intonation and accurate playing. The movement is probably best learnt without the ornaments in place in the first instance. Legato playing is needed in a performance although there is scope to broaden the detail of how the notes are articulated. Any exaggerated playing does need to be avoided. Accompaniments are in place allowing electric guitar and bass guitar players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The electric guitar sounds on one side of the stereo channel with the bass guitar on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66 and 68 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is one bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. Instrumentalists should spend time listening to performances of the work by a range of musical instruments to understanding playing approaches. Players will possibly need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. Playing levels will perhaps need to be reviewed when different instrument combinations are involved. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part Inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. When played in an ensemble context there is not much other music that can better prepare players for this type of music activity. Those learning how to use music notation software and improve their listening skills will find this an excellent study to copy simply because of the many accidentals that require attention from the listening and notation point of view. Accurate notation will suggest an excellent understanding of the staff notation system. Close
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 BWV 785 arranged electric guitar & bass guitar in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is Show More...
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 BWV 785 arranged electric guitar & bass guitar in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitute for ornamentation. Remember that the guitar and bass guitar are transposing instruments sounding an octave lower than written. There are some octave transpositions in the bass guitar part to keep to the range of the instrument. Guitarists have the choice of reading a notated or TAB score. TAB scores have a useful function because they locate the position of the notes on the fretboard although the same note can be played on different strings in different positions. The PlentyMusic TAB score is a literal translation of the score and not necessarily the best solution for playing the notes. Ornaments are omitted in this movement but are replaced by challenging and rhythmic figuration. Players need to have a vision and understanding of the phrasing needed before playing this movement. Bach’s music is from the baroque era in music history and presents the added challenge that there is generally minimal score detail in place in sheet music scores. The realisation plays back at 56 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. The music editor suggests playing the movement with an awareness of an eighth note or quaver pulse. An 8/8 time signature would in many ways be very appropriate for this movement. Accompaniments are in place allowing electric guitar and bass guitar players to participate in ensemble activities as part of practice routines. The electric guitar sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bass guitar on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 52, 54, 58, 60 and 62 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is one bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. There are generally similar approaches to playing this invention although instrumentalists should spend time listening to performances of the work by a range of musical instruments and instrument combinations on streaming media. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part Inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing secure performing techniques whatever the instrument being played. Close
Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a popular movement from the classical repertoire that can be arranged for many different combinations of instruments. Th Show More...
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. Close
Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a popular movement from the classical repertoire that adopts well to a crossover interpretation. This arrangement for a Show More...
Serenade by R. Hoffstetter is a popular movement from the classical repertoire that adopts well to a crossover interpretation. This arrangement for alto saxophone, electric guitar & bass guitar has the PlentyMusic realisation playing back at 94 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. 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 and appropriate contrasting accompaniment. Observant listeners will recognise that not all the ornamaments sound in the realisation. A tempo in the range from 90-102 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar is suggested while 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 alto saxophone 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 to establish 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. 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. In the video score available on our YouTube channel all the ornaments are notated to add clarity to what is a frequently a contentious area. 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. Close
Bach J.S. Sinfonia 11 BWV 797 arranged for marimba, guitar & upright bass. The Sinfonia arrangements from PlentyMusic are excellent movements to impro Show More...
Bach J.S. Sinfonia 11 BWV 797 arranged for marimba, guitar & upright bass. The Sinfonia arrangements from PlentyMusic are excellent movements to improve music practice routines. The Sinfonia 11 is in the key of Gm is a melancholy and appealing movement with some attractive rhythmic and melodic figuration. Accompaniments playing at 30, 32, 34 and 36 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute are available as mp3 downloads from PlentyMusic giving the marimba player the opportunity of playing in an ensemble. For this arrangement it would be fine for any of the accompaniments for Sinfonia 11 in the key of G minor to be used so that a mix and match approach is possible. In this arrangement the marimba plays voice 1, the guitar voice 2 and the upright bass voice 3. The trio realisation plays back at 32 dotted quarter note beats or crotchet beats to the minute. Individual instrument parts are appended to the full music score that can be downloaded from the PlentyMusic website. The guitar and double bass are both transposing instruments and sound an octave lower than written. This means that the bass part is an octave lower than intended from Bach’s original writing. In the realisation an electric guitar sound has been used but could be substituted by an acoustic guitar. For that matter, an electric bass could also substitute for an upright bass. The fact that the bass sound is an octave lower does create great space in the texture. The sinfonias are excellent movements to develop and improve ensemble playing. There is a considerable melodic range in the three voices with each having a range of close to two octaves. Playing such ranges encourages the development of good intonation (playing in tune) and will make players aware of the importance of quality of tone. This particular movement is a very good test of ensemble playing particularly because of the tied notes across the bar lines and the imaginative rhythmic and melodic figuration that features in the movement. To fully appreciate the rhythmic fluidity of the movement instrumentalists should experience playing the movement in an ensemble. This fluidity in the rhythmic shapes possibly part explains one of the reasons why Bach’s music is often adapted and played by jazz musicians. Rehearsal marks are in place at bars 17, 33, 48 and 65 on the music score although the music editor suggests that in music of this style players will know immediately when they not quite together. While this music sounds emotional and encourages an emotional response to listeners it needs to be performed in quite objectively. Ornaments have been omitted in the preparing of this music score although those familiar with the performance practice of baroque music may choose to add ornaments particularly at cadences and on some of the long notes. Keyboard instruments from the Bach era were not able to sustain long notes and ornaments, particularly trills, were used to create a continuous sound. Performance practice issues can often be complex in music but a guiding principle is that the any ornaments introduced should be imitated in the other voices when appropriate. The Sinfonias were originally composed for harpsichord the keyboard instrument of J.S. Bach’s time although they do provide excellent ensemble material for various instrument combinations. This transcription keeps to original voicings and key although pitch levels in baroque times were lower than in contemporary times. The Sinfonias would have been mainly played on the keyboard instruments of Bach’s time available in the home which may have included the clavichord and harpsichord. The organ which is also a keyboard instrument but required the need for a person to operate the bellows and was essentially a church instrument The Sinfonias are works conceived for three voices and feature compositional processes associated with contrapuntal writing of the baroque era: repetition, inversion, imitation and sequence feature strongly in the writing. The 3 part Sinfonias and 2 part Inventions are excellent movement for developing listening skills in ensemble playing. Do make use of these and other resources available on the PlentyMusic website. Score detail is usually omitted in music from the baroque era although there is scope to introduce crescendos and diminuendo’s with the rise and falls of the music and rits. and ralls are sometimes appropriate at cadences. Do make sure that your instrument is in tune before playing with an accompaniment. PlentyMusic realisations and accompaniments are pitched at A = 440 hertz. Close
When The Saints Go Marching In arranged for two guitars (electric or acoustic) and bass guitar in the key of D. The playback tempo is 100 half note o Show More...
When The Saints Go Marching In arranged for two guitars (electric or acoustic) and bass guitar in the key of D. The playback tempo is 100 half note or minim beats to the minute whilst the music is notated in cut time. Traditional American music songs such as “When The Saints Go Marching In” are excellent pieces for developing an understanding of the style elements associated with the performance of 20th century popular music. There is opportunity for players to explore the arrangement - the bass line played by the bass player is open to being played with some rhythmic variation particularly during the playing of the repeat sections. Many melodies and lyrics that are recognised as spirituals are often a synthesis of several songs that had their origins as work songs before, during and after the American Civil War. Songs sung from the 1850’s and onwards were perhaps published around 1918 and then first recorded in the 1920’s. The history of the song is well documented and many there are performances to be discovered embracing a range of styles and different types of performing group. There are TAB scores for the Guitar 1 part and bass guitarist whilst chord shapes are indicated in the Guitar 2 part.These are appended to the full score. The accompaniment mp3 features a string bass in the playback. Close
The hornpipe is found in the folk music of England, Scotland and Ireland and has a traditional association with sailors in that dancing was used on lo Show More...
The hornpipe is found in the folk music of England, Scotland and Ireland and has a traditional association with sailors in that dancing was used on long sea journeys to keep personnel fit. Hornpipes are usually associated with other hornpipes in a performance context in what is described as a dance set. This arrangement is notated conventionally and players will move on to possibly explore the folk rock style in their ensemble playing. The realisation plays at 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute and the hornpipe is in AB (Binary) form. The music needs to be played with a triplet feel as demonstrated in the realisation. The repeats are not played in the realisation and there is no ornamentation of the melodic line. The score is presented with minimal score detail as is usually the case with folk music. Understand that the playing of ornaments whilst very relevant in repetitive music of this kind requires a special study and is governed by the instrument being played, the music tradition represented and sometimes geography/locality. A study of ornamentation in folk music the music editor suggests is not for the faint-hearted! There are also examples of hornpipes in baroque music including Handel’s Water Music. Three accompaniments are available, with repeats, with the bass guitar playing the bass line at tempi of (1) 132 (2) 120 and (3) 112 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. There is two bar click track introduction before the music starts to play. Close
The hornpipe is found in the folk music of England, Scotland and Ireland and has a traditional association with sailors in that dancing was used on lo Show More...
The hornpipe is found in the folk music of England, Scotland and Ireland and has a traditional association with sailors in that dancing was used on long sea journeys to keep personnel fit. Hornpipes are usually associated with other hornpipes in a performance context in what is described as a dance set. This arrangement includes both conventional notation and TAB and players can possibly explore the folk rock style in their ensemble playing. The realisation plays at 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute and the hornpipe is in AB (Binary) form. The music needs to be played with a triplet feel as demonstrated in the realisation. The repeats are not played in the realisation and there is no ornamentation of the melodic line. The score is presented with minimal score detail as is usually the case with folk music. Understand that the playing of ornaments whilst very relevant in repetitive music of this kind requires a special study and is governed by the instrument being played, the music tradition represented and sometimes geography/locality. A study of ornamentation in folk music the music editor suggests is not for the faint-hearted! There are also examples of hornpipes in baroque music including Handel’s Water Music. Three accompaniments are available, with repeats, with the bass guitar playing the bass line at tempi of (1) 132 (2) 120 and (3) 110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute.There is two bar click track introduction before the music starts to play. Close
A sicilienne is a slow tempo movement usually in a minor key with lilting rhythmic patterns and dotted notes enabling it to be described as a slow jig Show More...
A sicilienne is a slow tempo movement usually in a minor key with lilting rhythmic patterns and dotted notes enabling it to be described as a slow jig. This movement dates from 1893 and exists with several different instrument combinations. Fauré’s music possesses subtlety and as a composer he has a great awareness of instrument colour. Careful attention needs to be paid to the reading of accidentals as frequently different voices are sounding in what seem to be conflicting versions of a note. This is attributable to the modal element that it is a strong component of Fauré’s music. Apart from this, attention needs to be made to the reading of the notes and the score detail particularly in respect to knowing which notes are tied. In preparing the score the most appropriate ranges of the instruments are explored and consequently there has been some simplifying of the texture in the guitar 2 part. The realisation plays at a tempo of 50 dotted quarter notes to the minute – the music editor’s view is that many performances of the work are played too quickly. In this arrangement A minor is the chosen key although G minor is the natural and most appropriate key for the work. G minor is however a challenging key for the guitar player whilst the work is definitely playable in A minor although some of the chord voicing in the guitar 2 part may need to further simplified. The realisation features an electric and an acoustic guitar. Guitar accompaniments are available at 54, 50 and 48 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Close
This is an excellent piece for an instrument player because it is challenging to play both from the pitch range the player has to manage and the oppor Show More...
This is an excellent piece for an instrument player because it is challenging to play both from the pitch range the player has to manage and the opportunities it offers to explore tonal range of the solo guitar. Triplets are shown in the solo instrument part but only in the first two bars of the piano accompaniment. This arrangement is intended to be performance piece and although there has been some re-scoring of the solo part to make it just a little more playable for a range of different instruments. Not all the intended ornaments are included in the score to enable the focus to be on playing the melody. The original Paganini version as one would expect has some very challenging moments but is well worth listening to particularly in its original form played on the violin. The limitations of the staff notation system are challenged particularly in the closing cadenza section at bar 45 which needs to be played with a clear sense of pulse being communicated. Paganini is a unique and quite captivating figure in the history of music who was a major influence on many romantic composers influencing both performance practice and also composition. He was the outstanding violinist of his age and in addition was an excellent guitarist although his performances on this instrument were shared with friends rather than the public. Close
An arrangement for two guitars and electric bass of this song chorus that demonstrates many of the essential elements of an emerging popular music sty Show More...
An arrangement for two guitars and electric bass of this song chorus that demonstrates many of the essential elements of an emerging popular music style at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a characterful and musical piece suited to being played as a link between scenes in a show or something with a similar context. In the realisation the melody is played by a muted electric guitar the chords are played by an acoustic guitar and the bass by a fretted bass guitar. There are chord symbols/diagrams to assist the acoustic guitar player whilst the slash chord symbol is used to indicate the rhythm of the strumming pattern in conventional staff notation. Close
An arrangement for two guitars and electric bass, all with TAB, of this song chorus that demonstrates many of the essential elements of an emerging p Show More...
An arrangement for two guitars and electric bass, all with TAB, of this song chorus that demonstrates many of the essential elements of an emerging popular music style at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a characterful and musical piece suited to being played as a link between scenes in a show or something with a similar context. In the realisation the melody is played by a muted electric guitar, whilst selected notes of the chord are sounded by an acoustic guitar and the bass by a fretted bass guitar. Close
An arrangement for two guitars and electric bass of this song chorus that demonstrates many of the essential elements of an emerging popular music st Show More...
An arrangement for two guitars and electric bass of this song chorus that demonstrates many of the essential elements of an emerging popular music style at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a characterful and musical piece suited to being played as a link between scenes in a show or something with a similar context. In the realisation the melody is played by a muted electric guitar, whilst selected notes of the chord are sounded by an acoustic guitar and the bass by a fretted bass guitar. There is no TAB support in this version. Close
An arrangement of this ragtime waltz for two guitars with Tab. In the realisation one electric guitar is featured and one acoustic. The second guitar Show More...
An arrangement of this ragtime waltz for two guitars with Tab. In the realisation one electric guitar is featured and one acoustic. The second guitar plays voiced chords and a bass line. A tempo of 110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested and is used in the realisation. Close
This very popular tango dates from 1903. The English translation of El Choclo is the "The Ear of Corn". The instruments specified are electric guitar Show More...
This very popular tango dates from 1903. The English translation of El Choclo is the "The Ear of Corn". The instruments specified are electric guitar & bass guitar but these could be substituted by acoustic instruments. The slur markings appear in the conventionally notated music score but not the TAB version. Players once they are familiar with the music can introduced and apply some guitar techniques characteristic of the instrument - "pull offs" and "hammer ons" - to the melody line. However, it may also be necessary to change some of the TAB positions and strings currently specified to ensure consistency in the playing approach. This is probably quite a challenge for an improver level guitarist but the TAB support should help and the triplet figuration has been omitted. A tempo of 60-66 quarter note (crotchet) notes to the minute is recommended. Ãngel Villoldo (1861-1919) was an Argentinian composer and a pioneer of tango which became very popular from both the music and dancing point of view towards the end of the nineteenth century. It is popular today both in Argentina from where it originates and is a familiar and recognisable music style around the world. Close
An arrangement for electric and bass guitar of this minuet from the Anna Magdalena Notebook transcribed to the key of A minor and like most dance musi Show More...
An arrangement for electric and bass guitar of this minuet from the Anna Magdalena Notebook transcribed to the key of A minor and like most dance music from this era in AB or binary form. The movement has a haunting quality and like so much of the music from the collection it is a great study piece for students and can be played by a combination of different instruments. Keep the eighth notes (quavers) as even as possible and a tempo of around 116 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. Close
This is a simplified and shortened version of one of J.S.Bach's famous pieces based on a chorale (hymn) melody arranged for electric or acoustic guita Show More...
This is a simplified and shortened version of one of J.S.Bach's famous pieces based on a chorale (hymn) melody arranged for electric or acoustic guitar and bass guitar with both notated and tab parts. There is a strong bass line and this is combined with the figuration gives the movement both character and appeal. This two part version has been notated in 9/8 time (three dotted quarter note beats to the bar) and provides very good opportunities to develop ensemble playing. Bach's music demands that performers have secure technical ability and this piece is ideal for developing a fluent and flowing playing style. Close
An arrangement for acoustic or electric guitar and electric bass with tab. This is music based on a chorale (hymn) tune that would have been familiar Show More...
An arrangement for acoustic or electric guitar and electric bass with tab. This is music based on a chorale (hymn) tune that would have been familiar to Bach's congregations. This is a shortened two part version of this movement familiarising players with its rhythmic figuration and bass line. The rhythmic shapes sound modern and not surprisingly the movement has been subject to being arranged by a number of contemporary performing groups in a variety of styles. Close
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 arranged for electric & bass guitar. One of the most popular of the two part inventions with scale runs and chord sha Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 arranged for electric & bass guitar. One of the most popular of the two part inventions with scale runs and chord shapes to master. A sheet music score with both staff notation and TAB is available from the website. Accompaniments are also in place. This is an updated version of an earlier music score. An uplifting and appealing invention with many scale runs and chord shapes that make this an appropriate movement for guitarists to play to improve technique. There are some octave transpositions in the parts to keep to the range of the instruments. The guitar is an instrument where the same note can be played in different positions on the fretboard and whilst the TAB scores available maybe helpful in locating notes they do not provide the only solution. Acoustic instruments can be substituted for the electric. The realisation plays back at a reasonable 84 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Many musicians play this invention faster and interestingly it is a movement usually played without ornaments. Guitar players need to choose a tempo at which the whole movement can be played consistently. It is a good test piece for players because this piece can very easily run away with itself requiring a tempo adjustment in the challenging sixteenth /semi-quaver sections. Remember that music cannot be played quickly until it can be played slowly. The electric guitar and bass guitar are both transposing instruments and sound an octave lower than written enabling the space between the contrapuntal lines to be retained. There are some octave transpositions in the parts to keep to each instrument’s range. Scores are available in both staff notation and TAB. The TAB scores are limited in that they are literal translations of the notated score and guitar players may well wish to review some of the note positions suggested in these scores. Ornaments are not generally featured in this movement whilst the realisation plays back at 84 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place allowing guitar and bass players to participate in ensemble activities as part of their practice routines. The electric guitar sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bass guitar on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, and for the very brave 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. This reflects the fact that this particular invention can be played at many different tempi. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is a two bar count in /click track for each of the accompaniment tracks. Again it is wise for players to listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement especially with regard to articulation. The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. They are possibly more challenging works when played on other instruments. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the harmonic journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other compositional processes and techniques are evident as in most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing ensemble playing in the duo format. Close
A bourrée is a dance often found in the baroque suite having two half note (minim) beats to the bar with a moderate to fast tempo beginning with an u Show More...
A bourrée is a dance often found in the baroque suite having two half note (minim) beats to the bar with a moderate to fast tempo beginning with an upbeat on the last quarter note of the bar. Arranged for electric guitar and electric bass with conventional notation and TAB this particular this example shouldn't be played too quickly and a tempo of around 60 half note (minim) beats to the minute is suggested. The musical lines are of equal performance and technical difficulty and make it an ideal ensemble piece for a guitar duo. The realisation is lacking in tonal contrast. Close
J.S.Bach’s Invention 4 BWV 775 arr. electric guitar & bass guitar Both notated & TAB scores are available. In the key of D minor this is an appeal Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 4 BWV 775 arr. electric guitar & bass guitar Both notated & TAB scores are available. In the key of D minor this is an appealing work featuring an opening motif or melodic shape that combines a scale shape with the interval of a falling diminished seventh. The realisation plays back at 48 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet beats to the minute. The time signature for this movement is 3/8 and the music editor suggests approaching playing the movement with a one in a bar feel or pulse rather than trying to count in eighth notes or quavers. The long trills bar 19 and bar 29 need to be played rhythmically and with control. There is some debate as to the notes to be played in the trill commencing in bar 29. The music editor suggests a written F natural but many alternate a F# with the E. The ornaments can always be omitted particularly in the early stages of learning the movement. If In the video score, which guitar players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. As the electric The TAB score Accompaniments are in place allowing electric guitar & bass players to participate in an ensemble activity as part of practice routines. The electric guitar sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bass guitar on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 39, 42, 45, 48, 51 and for the brave 54 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is a four bar count in /click track for each of the accompaniment tracks. This is an invention where it is interesting to observe the different approaches to playing the movement particularly with regard to tempo and articulation. The Inventions are always worth revisiting and the collection should be understood to be one that benefits from this. Valuable time can be spent on streaming media listening to and perhaps watching different approaches that players have when performing this movement. Whilst there is considerable contrast to the tempo that the invention is played remember that movements cannot be played quickly until they be played slowly! The inventions offer excellent opportunities to improve ensemble playing in a duo context. Individual clarinet parts are also appended to the full scores available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. The Bach Inventions are considered to be intermediate level movements. The key journey that features in this movement embraces the closley related keys of the relative major, sub-dominant and the V7 – VI progression bars 48 - 49 further adds to the harmonic journey. Imitation, inversion and sequence are all in evidence as compositional processes. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure playing technique. This is a revision and update of a previous score posted on the website. The music score was revised in 2023. B. Close
Arranged for acoustic/electric guitar and electric bass with tab the playing needs to be even and balanced. This, like much of Bach's music, is a very Show More...
Arranged for acoustic/electric guitar and electric bass with tab the playing needs to be even and balanced. This, like much of Bach's music, is a very adaptable movement suited to being played by several different combinations of instruments. A tempo of around 54 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar is suggested. Close
J.S.Bach’s Invention 13 in the key of A minor is a movement with some quite delightful shapes to play particularly chord shapes including minor, maj Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 13 in the key of A minor is a movement with some quite delightful shapes to play particularly chord shapes including minor, major, dominant 7th & diminished 7th also in their different positions (root, first & second inversion…) This is an excellent ensemble piece encouraging players to listen to each other. Acoustic instruments can be substituted for the electric ones. The electric guitar and bass guitar are both transposing instruments and sound an octave lower than written enabling the space between the contrapuntal lines to be retained. There are some octave transpositions in the bass guitar part to keep to the instrument’s range. Scores are available in both staff notation and TAB. The guitar is an instrument where the same note can be played in different positions and on different strings. The TAB scores are a literal translations of the notated score and guitar players may well wish to review some of the note positions suggested in these scores. Ornaments are not featured in this movement whilst the realisation plays back at 72 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place allowing guitar and bass players to participate in ensemble activities as part of their practice routines. The guitar sounds on one side of the stereo channel and the bass on the other. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 quarter note (crotchet) beats per minute. This reflects the fact that the invention can be played at many different tempi. Accompaniment backing tracks are recorded with a dry acoustic to encourage accuracy in playing. There is a two bar count in /click track for each of the accompaniment tracks. As in all the inventions it is a requirement to play accurate note values. Ends of phrases are deserving of particular attention. Legato playing is suggested in the first instance although players can offer their own playing and performance approaches which in many ways is the invitation offered in this and many other Bach music collections. There is no perfectly correct way to play this music and there is the added challenge of being able to re-visit and play the music again. Time spent listening to this work on streaming media will be invaluable to players wishing to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. The principle behind J.S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the harmonic journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s Two Part Inventions as in most music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. As concentrated and concise movements the 15 Inventions played in an ensemble context present excellent challenges and there is simply not much other music that can better prepare players for this type of music activity. An invention suited to being played by a wide range of instruments possibly with a combination of instruments belonging to different instrument families – a mix and match approach is invited. The 2023 music score is a revision of the 2013 PlentyMusic score. Close
Arranged for electric guitar and electric bass players may well want to add drums to make the arrangement more complete. The music has been transcribe Show More...
Arranged for electric guitar and electric bass players may well want to add drums to make the arrangement more complete. The music has been transcribed into the key of A minor. Close
An arrangement for electric guitar and electric bass of this characterful and lively march in cut time by C.P.E.Bach. Both parts are notated conventio Show More...
An arrangement for electric guitar and electric bass of this characterful and lively march in cut time by C.P.E.Bach. Both parts are notated conventionally and also in TAB. Close
This familiar Baroque melody arranged for electric guitar and alto saxophone and sounding in the key of Bb The guitar part also has a TAB chart.
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