Free sheet music for cello, guitar, violin, recorder - solos , duos, ensemble , methods - first transcriptions of famous pieces & arrangements for students and advanced players.
Jenolan Caves
An artist's impression of a Jenolan Caves Formation
(Ceramic Lamp by Sian Thomas - for artist's website see above)
GEORG MERTENS
1952 Born in Aachen / Germany. Wanted to play cello since the age of 4.
1960 Learned recorder at the age of 8 for a year as a condition to get a discount for cello lessons.
1961 Commencing cello lessons at the age of 9.
1972 High School HSC (Gymnasium Abitur) school prize for music.
1972-78 Tertiary studies at "Staatliche Hochschule fur Musik Freiburg / Germany Diploma majoring in Cello (1976) Guitar (1978)
Masterclasses with Enrico Mainardi (scholarship) and Janos Starker.
Concert tours including Sweden, France, Austria, Germany
Conducting chamber music master classes in Salzburg (Austria) and Koenigstein
1972-76 Also: One year studies in Geography / Geology
Training in client centered psychotherapy / Councelling in Education
1972 - today. Teacher of cello & guitar
1978-80 Cello/guitar teacher at Musikschule Steglitz, Berlin
Concert series in old village churches of Berlin
Concert series "in alten Heidekirchen" North Germany
1980-84 Cello/guitar teacher at Kreismusikschule Schleswig-Flensburg, head of string department
1985 Emigration to Australia
1986 Lecturer at UNE, Armidale (composition/music theory)
1989-99 Ensemble performances with: Winbourne String Qartett / Tarantella Trio / Paganini Duo / The Blue Mountains Trio (more than 1000 performances)
This includes several tours of NSW & Queensland
Broadcasts include: 'The Great Outdoors', 'Sydney Weekender', 'Beyond 2000', 'Good Morning Australia' and many radio stations including the ABC.
1993/4 2 MBS FM Radio recordings of the complete 6 Suites for cello solo by JS Bach / Benjamin Britten solo Suite 2 / Brahms Sonata e minor
Performance of Schubert Sonata for Arpeggione as part of live on air celebration "20 years of 2 MBS FM"
1997 - 2012 : 185 Cello Concerts at Jenolan Caves -
This event has grown to be the longest series of cello concerts in (world) history
1999 East Asia tour with The Blue Mountains Trio & Paganini Duo
2001 Cello solo Concert tour of East & West Germany
2003 - today. Concert at Jenolan Caves with the Paganini Duo
2007/8 Concerts at Wellington Caves (cello solo & Paganini Duo)
2009 Cello solo Concerts in Ireland
Besides giving concerts Georg teaches privately cello and Classical guitar in Katoomba / Blue Mountains.
To inquire about concerts for private groups / workshops
CONTACT: georgcello@hotmail.com
Jenolan Caves (photo GM)
RELATED CD's
(Click on CD covers to listen)
Tracks:
1 H.Villa-Lobos - Prelude I
2 - - - - - Prelude IV
3 I.Albeniz - Asturias
4 F.Tarrega - Capricho d'Arabe
5 V.Sojo - Cantico
6 A.Barrios - Valse No 3
7 L.Milan - Pavana
8 Anonymus - Passamezzo see sheetmusic
9 L.Fuhrmann - Bourree
10 J.Dowland - Queen of Elizabeth Galliard
11 S.L.Weiss - Fantasie
12 - - - - Prelude D min
13 - - - -Tombeau
14 J.S.Bach - Allemande
15 - - - - Bourree - see sheetmusic
16 F.Sor - Study B minor- see sheetmusic
17 Anonymus - Spanish Romance - see sheetmusic
Jenolan Caves (photo GM)
RELATED CD's
(Click on CD covers to listen)
The Blue Mountains Trio
(Gustaw, Georg & Gavin)"Music for Grand Dining"
(click on icon to listen)Tracks:
1 Told at Twilight (Huerter)
2 At the Cafe Continental (Grosz/Kennedy)
3 Blue Danube (Strauss)
4 Two Guitars (Russian Traditional)
5 Canon in D (Pachelbel) - including the 'not so boring cello part'
6 The Song of Songs (Moya)
7: Free (Kennedy/Carr)
8 Simple Aveu (Thome)
9 Serenata (Toselli)
10 La Golandrina (Italian Traditional)
11 A Perfect Day (Jacobs-Bond)
12 Jealousy (Gade)
13 Tune from County Derry (Trad./Grainger)
14 Gavotte (Bohm)
15 La Paloma (Italian Traditional)
16 March/Foxtrot (Kalman)
LISTEN to MUSIC for GRAND DINING (click here)
Jenolan Caves (photo GM)
Jenolan Caves (photo GM)
Jenolan Caves (photo GM)
Jenolan Caves (photo GM)
Jenolan Caves (photo GM)
Jenolan Caves (photo GM)
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Sheet Music
All sheet music on this page has been edited by Georg Mertens
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To my Editions of Sheet Music
All my editions are written by hand.
Computer music programs seem to have there own mind.
If you want to write fingerings in, you have always to enter a conversation with someone who says:
you can't do that, you have to do it my way.Copyright for all sheet music available from this page by Georg Mertens.
Copying of "free sheet music" welcome.
Any use for commercial purposes or publishing without permission of the author prohibited.
Note:
It is illegal to charge for copies from this site or use material to publish wihout a written agreement form Georg Mertens..
Performances including music from this webpage permitted under the condition:
Attach a copy of the program and email to:
georgcello@hotmail.com
(no royalties for performancies at this stage)
For CD recordings, use in videos, movies, TV & commercials:
contact Georg Mertens.
email: georgcello@hotmail.com
(any use without notification and agreement is illegal)
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As to free sheetmusic & sheetmusic with a fee
"Most music we buy is written by composers who are dead, copyright is public domain.
I decided to only charge for music, which I composed or where transcribing was as involved as writing a new piece.
Music with just suggestions of bowings and fingerings I offer for free.
I decided also to offer for now my cello method for free to allow teachers to experiment with the material.
Comments & feedback welcome!_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Sheetmusic (with a fee) will be send by email within a week and prints out as A4
There are free samples of most pieces. Samples may print out as A5
CONTENTS:Cello Solo pieces (click here)
Cello Duos & up to 5 Cellos (click here)
Violin(Recorder) & Cello Duos (click here)
Cello & Guitar Duos (click here)
Guitar Solos & Duos - student performance pieces (click here)
Guitar accompaniments to famous violin Gypsy pieces (click here)
Violin (Recorder) & Guitar Duos (click here)
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DIFFICULTY is marked in degrees of:
1 = very easy
(4 = Breval Sonata)
(6 = Bach Prelude 1 or 'The Swan')
to
10 = very difficult
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ce
llo
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Not Solo, but interesting: Pachelbel Canon in D - A not so boring cello part
Possibly every cello player, every student complains: this cello part is so boring. - I got so bored, I started to embellish the part.
It fits better and it evn sounds better (recorded with the Blue Mountains Trio on the CD: Music for Grand Dining)
Free download
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C E L L O - S O L O S - P I E C E S.
Albeniz Isaac - Asturias [ Leyenda ] complete
originally for piano, famous for guitar.
I have performed it for 30 years on guitar, but found always the middle part misses out in expression for guitar and piano - not on cello! transcribed by Georg Mertens
5p [grading 9 out of 10] $6
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(For physical CD's see section "CD releases" - top left section)
Anonymus / Collection Forster 1546 - Ich armes Maegdelein / Poor Maiden me [grading 4 out of 10]
Comment: This beautiful song is probably composed by a woman of the Renaissance, mourning over her lost lover who doesn't seem to return from war.
Free download.
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Bach / Gounod - Meditation / Ave Maria
This is the fingering and bowing I perform this piece with.
cello part only [grading 5 out of 10]
Free download
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Bach / Mertens - Accompaniment to Menuet I & II of Suite I (G major) for cello solo
I had a student who was too shy to ever play by herself. I ended up writing accompaniments to all pieces as I couldn't hear her when we played the same.
[grading 2 out of 10] Free download. Corrected March '11
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Bach - Prelude Suite 1 G major: bar 26
I am frequently criticised to play a wrong note in bar 26 of the Prelude G major Suite No 1.
The truth is, all 4 early manuscripts wrote in the 3rd beat of bar 26: C# B A Bb. However, the first printed edition made a mistake and printed: C# Bb A Bb.
Although the early manuscripts have been published for more than 30 years, Anna Magdalena's as early as 1940 at least, the majority of editions still print the mistake.
Correct:Wrong:
Correct editions are the new Baerenreiter/Schwemer and Kurtz/IMC.
Wrong editions are Peters/Hugo Becker (pictured), Werner Icking and even my older Baerenreiter/Wenzinger edition.
Already Pablo Casals played it correctly, and so does Totellier, who frequently played with Casals together.
But many others play it wrong including Rostropovich, YoYo Ma, Maisky.Bach - Suite No 5 c minor: The B A C H theme (Bb A C Bnatural) in the Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte and Gigue.
The most well known use of the B-A-C-H theme occurs in the "ART of FUGUE".
We must assume, that Bach was already early in his life impressed and probably proud, that every letter of his name represents (in German) a musical note.
Probably his ancestors already knew, and we can imagine little Bach whistling the theme. In any case, no use of this theme would have escaped him.
He knew the sequence so well we must exclude that it happened accidentally.
(This scale can be found at Westminster Abbey - it seems the b (for Bb) and h (for B natural) notation was used in England as well -
click on image for complete painting)
The following information has not be known until now - obscured by Bach himself by the use of scordatura - and if I will have ever any claim of fame, it will be to have discovered this repeated use of this theme:
In Suite 5 the centre of the B-A-C-H theme is the Sarabande; it is used preparatory in the Courante and mentioned in the Gavotte and Gigue.
It occurs in the Courante in bar 22, in the melody, preparing the C tonic, from which a melodic minor scale descends to the end of the movement.
The positioning for the theme is so strangely set before the descent, that it made me think: it announces something more, it is heralding the main feature.
I need to mention here Bach's fascination with numbers and their symbolic use.
If we give the letters BACH a number for their position in the alphabet (2+1+3+8), Bach's name ads up to 14. He identfied with this number and used it frequently.
In the Sarabande the theme is cited in the bars 13 / 14, which is laso the place that the top string should be used in eithet tuning, standard or with scordatura.
In the Gigue we find the theme empracing the bar lines to bar 48 and 50, each time the note before and after the bar line.
For a reader the use of the theme might look a bit far fetched, but a s a player you can hear it clearly.
All citations of the theme are in the top melody, exposed and easy to hear.
After having cited the theme 4 times, Bach did a strange thing: he obscured the use by writing the suite with a scordatura; this means the top string A is tuned down to a G.
This means also that the sounding note A is written as a B natural; each note on the top string is written one tone too high.
That means anyone reading and playing the suite does not read the citation - but "only" plays it. Somehow Bach tricked us.
Every use of the theme is on the top string. Every single note of the theme is consequently written in wrong notes.
That explains why I haven't found any reference yet to the BACH theme used in suite 5, although it is used 4 times!
This made me think: The earliest surviving copy is actually in normal tuning, by Johann Kellner, a friend who couldn't even play cello.
It seems unlikely he would have been able to copy an original in scordatura and know, which notes to write a tone lower and which ones not.
It occurred to me, might Bach have used the theme, but thought later, he might reserve it for a larger purpose - the Art of Fugue.
A thought like this might have occured to him, when he transcribed suite 5 for lute, an instrument, which is tuned mainly in fourths.
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Dowland John - Melancholy Galliard
Originally for lute, this piece gives naturally the feeling to play a viola da gamba.
transcribed for cello solo 2p [grading 7 out of 10] $4
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Eccles Henry - Sonata G minor / Prelude (largo) & Courante (allegro)
cello part only [grading 7 out of 10]
This edition here includes in the Prelude for the repeat optional Baroque ornaments.
Free download
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de Falla Manuel - Nana, [grading 8 out of 10]
cello part only
With more expressive fingerings; also including the correction of the rhythm mistake of all editions in bar 8.
Free download.
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Gabriel Marie - La Cinqantaine
(with sensible bowings) cello part only / see CD1 [grading 3-4 out of 10]
This is a copy of my pre 1900 print.
This piece is dedicated to the 50th birthday ("cinquantaine") of Monsieur E.Binon, cellist of "the" opera (?).
This means, although transcribed for virtually every existing instrument including tuba and soprano, the piece is originally written for cello.
Free download
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Haydn Joseph - Cadenza to Cello Concerto C major, 1st movement by Georg Mertens,
more interesting than the printed cadenza and more fitting in style than the cadenzas by Benjamin Britten and Maurice Gendron.
2p [grading 9 out of 10] $4
Please send a program when performed..
Massenet Jules - Meditation from Thais
Arrangement for cello solo by Georg Mertens - sounds on cello absolutely convincing / matches violin/piano accompaniment part.
2p [grading 8 out of 10]
Free download
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Mertens Georg - Spanish Romance with an introduction.
after the Anonymus guitar version known from the movie as "Jeux Inderdit",
3p [grading 9 out of 10] $4
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Mertens Georg - Tango Celloguitar
This piece uses guitar techniques like pizzicato tremolo and rasguado on the cello.
Very effective, fun, but very hard for left and right hand. 6p
[grading 10 out of 10] $6
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Mertens Georg - Variations on Neidhardt's "Maienzeit / Maytime"
The variations are based on the original 6 note scale: ACDEFG (medieval minne song)
for solo cello 2p [grading 8 out of 10] $4
Mertens Georg - Cathedral Ciaconna
A fantasy like set of variations exploring the different sounds and effects in the Cathedral Chamber in the Cave.
for solo cello 5p [grading 9 out of 10] $6.
(For physical CD's see section "CD releases" - top left section)
Mertens Georg - Fantasy on Cathedral Cave
A mystical beginning followed by the experience of climbing into the cave and entering the large silent space expressed in program music.
for solo cello 5p [grading 10 out of 10] $6.
(For physical CD's see section "CD releases" - top left section)
Mertens Georg - Cadenza to Haydn Cello Concerto C major, 1st movement,
more interesting than the printed cadenza and more fitting in style than the cadenzas by Benjamin Britten and Maurice Gendron. 2p [grading 9 out of 10] $4
Please send a program when performed.
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Mertens Georg - Variations on "Sakura, Sakura"
[Theme: Traditional Japanese] for cello solo. 2p [grading 7 out of 10] $4
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Piazzolla Astor - Verano Porteno (complete)
originally Quintet, arranged by Georg Mertens for solo cello 3p
[grading 8-9 out of 10]
Contact: georgcello@hotmail.com for the complete score.
Saint Saens Camille - The Swan (Le Cygne) - see below for a cello 2 & 3 to "The Swan"!
cello part only [grading 6 out of 10]
Free download
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Cello 2 & 3 to "The Swan" (cello accompaniment) by Georg Mertens
Originall the whole cycle "The Carnival of the Animals" had been written for 2 pianos, just for a children's birthday party.
How about a cellist's birthday with a performance of "The Swan" by 3 cellos? Or a full cello ensemble playing "The Swan", just for fun!
Cello 2 incorporates the theme as an echo and imitates the water like effect, which is usually symbolised by the part of the harp / piano.
Cello 3 reminds of Bach's Prelude in G major from Suite No 1, made to fit "The Swan"!
It all fits like magic - even with the piano on top of the three cellos.
It would be very nice of you all to send me a copy of the birthday invitations where my swan is played!
(No worries, royalties will not be charged. Of course any commercial use excluded)
As a birthday present to all cellists these scores will always remain for free.
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Sojo Vincente - Cantico
originally guitar, arrangement for cello solo by Georg Mertens 2p [grading 8 out of 10] $4
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Tarrega Francesco / Mertens Georg - Prelude No 16 "Endecha" & Intermezzo
Originally guitar, arranged by Georg Mertens for solo cello 1p
A beautiful melody, but alas the beauty is short. I felt compelled to add a little Intermezzo.
[grading 7 out of 10] Free download for now
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Villa-Lobos Heitor - Prelude No 3
Originally guitar, arranged by Georg Mertens for solo cello 2p
I always found the cello & guitar player Villa Lobos just didn't have time enouigh to arrange this piece for cello; otherwise he would have done it.
[grading 9 out of 10] $3
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Contact: georgcello@hotmail.com for the complete score .
Vivaldi Antonio - Sonata No 5 E minor, Largo I
With Baroque ornaments, cello part only [grading 8 out of 10]
Free downlad
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Vivaldi Antonio - Sonata No 5 E minor, Largo II
Solo version - 2 cellos on ONE [grading 8 out of 10]
In this version the solo cello plays the melody plus the original accompaniment in double stops. Sounds very effective.
Free download
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BOWINGS and FINGERINGS of the following CELLO STUDENT PIECES may be copied by watching recordings on YouTube:
* Bach - The six cello solo suites
* Bach Arioso
* Bach-Gounod - Ave Maria / Meditation
* Breval Sonata C major
* Handel Aria from the opera Rinaldo
* Popper Fond Recollections
* Romberg Sonata e minor
* Squire Tarantella
* Tschaikovsky Valse Sentimental
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(For physical CD's see section "CD releases" - top left section)
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C E L L O - D U O S - & - u p - t o - 5 - C E L L O S
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Bach J.S.- Chorals for 2 Cellos [grading 2 or 3 out of 10]
So many students asked me for more Chorals by Bach. Here are a few.1 Jesu meine Freude (part of "Cello Method" below)
2 Christus der uns selig macht (part of "Cello Method" below)
3 Wer nur den lieben Gott laesst walten
4 Nun ruhen alle Waelder (part of "Cello Method" below)
5 An Wasserfluessen Babylon
6 Freue dich meine Seele
7 O Haupt voll Blut umwunden (part of "Cello Method" below)
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Bach / Mertens - Accompaniment to Menuet I & II of Suite I (G major) for cello solo
I had a student who was too shy to ever play by herself.
I ended up writing accompaniments to all pieces as I couldn't hear her when we played the same.
Enjoy the Solo Suite as a Duo!
[grading 2 out of 10] Free download.
Beethoven Theme from "For Elise" with Accompaniment for 2nd cello (part of "Cello Method" below) .
Free download
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Dalla Bella Domenico - Sonata C major: Giga
An absolute favourite when I learned the cello as a boy; an ideal piece to introduce the tenor clef (part of "Cello Method" below) .
Free download
Corelli Archangalo - Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor (originally for violin and harpsichord): Preludio - Allemande - Sarabande - Gigue
I kept the original key. The cello solo part is put in a range not to exceed a difficulty of grade 6.
The cello continuo is partly one octave lower than the original to accommodate the lower melody part.
The two quite low cellos together remind of music by M. Marais.
(Free downloads)
Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Preludio
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Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Allemande
Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Sarabande
Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Gigue
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See also this Corelli Sonata transcribed for violin & guitar and the Sarabande for cello & guitar
Fomin Boris - Those were the Days my Friend or Dorogoi Dlinnoyu
This instrumental tune became known as the song "Those were the Days" with Mary Hopkin in 1968
- with accompaniment for 2nd cello (part of "Cello Method" below) .
Free download
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Handel Georg F. - Aria F major from the opera "Rinaldo" (Aria de Almirena: Lascia ch'io pianga (Let me weep)
2 cellos and guitar accompaniment (see "cello & guitar" for more in this combination)
[grading: cello 4 out of 10 / cello continuo 1-2 out of 10 / guitar 5 out of 10 /]
Free download
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Handel Georg F. - Silent Worship for 2 to 5 cellos [grading 4 out of 10]
Originally Duett with continuo / orchestra;
arranged for 2 cellos (melody C1/C2) with cello continuo obligato plus 2 cellos for upper (c4) and middle part (c5) of the continuo.
If played with 3 cellos - melodies plus continuo obligato - the continuo sounds better played with the bow.
If played with 5 cellos, all 3 continuo cellos pizzicato.
(Note: last crotchet (1/4) of bar 17 to bar 19 is missing in virtually all movies).
This music is very suitable for groups of students - with the three continuo cellos all plucking away accompanying the 2 melodies.
Free download
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Saint Saens Camille - The Swan (Le Cygne) for 3 cellos
[grading 6 out of 10]
Free download
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Cello 2 & 3 to "The Swan" (cello accompaniment) by Georg Mertens
Originall the whole cycle "The Carnival of the Animals" had been written for 2 pianos, just for a children's birthday party.
How about a cellist's birthday with a performance of "The Swan" by 3 cellos? Or a full cello ensemble playing "The Swan", just for fun!
Cello 2 incorporates the theme as an echo and imitates the water like effect, which is usually symbolised by the part of the harp / piano.
Cello 3 reminds of Bach's Prelude in G major from Suite No 1, made to fit "The Swan"!
It all fits like magic - even with the piano on top of the three cellos.
It would be very nice of you all to send me a copy of the birthday invitations where my swan is played!
(No worries, royalties will not be charged. Of course any commercial use excluded)
As a birthday present to all cellists these scores will always remain for free.
Kosma - Autumn Leaves (La Feuilles de Mortes) with accompaniment for 2nd cello (part of "Cello Method" below) .
Free download
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Morley Thomas - Almain arr. for 2 cellos (see also recorder / cello & guitar).
Parts 2p [grading 4 out of 10]
Free download
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Purcell Henry - Dido's Lament from "Dido and Aeneas" arr. for 2 cellos
[grading 4 out of 10]
Free download
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Please find in the "Cello Method" below c 90 Duos for 2 Cellos.
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V I O L I N - ( R E C O R D E R ) - &- C E L L O - D U O S
Georg Mertens - "Anniversay Valse" (for Geoff & Mary Mitchell)
violin & cello [grading 6 out of 10] 4p $5
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Georg Mertens "Multicultural Suite" for diverse recorders (Blockfloete) & cello
Multicultural Suite complete. 5 movements: French Ouverture - Scherzo - Barbarian Intermezzo - Arabia Nocturna - Didgeridoo. [grading 6-8 out of 10] $12Multicultural Suite - Single Movements:
French Ouverture
for treble recorder & cello
Parts 4p [grading 6 out of 10], $4
Scherzo for treble recorder & cello 2p
+ Barbarian Intermezzo for descant recorder (sopranino) & cello
Parts 4p [grading 6 out of 10], $4
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Arabia Nocturna for descant recorder & cello
Parts 4p [grading 8 out of 10]Didgeridoo for bass recorder & cello
Parts 2p [grading 6 out of 10], This movement contains improvised elements.
Arabia Nocturna & Didgeridoo together, $6
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(For physical CD's see section "CD releases" - top left section)
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J.S.Bach - From the Note Book of Anna Magdalena Bach
The Petzold Pieces* (see below)
- The Collection by J.S.Bach for Anna Magdalena contains compositions by other composers than Bach.
In many editions they are mistakenly contributed to Bach.
He mentions the name CHRISTIAN PETZOLD* as the composer of the famous first 2 Menuets.
The other 4 pieces are by an "unknown" composer (not Bach).
However the style of the other two Menuets is identical to the ones by Petzold so that we can asssume he was the composer.
The Musette and Marche are very similar in style.Menuet in G, original key
BWV Anhang 114 transcription for violin & cello
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Menuet in g - minor, original key
BWV Anhang 115 transcription for violin & cello
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Menuet in G, original key
BWV Anhang 116 transcription for violin & cello
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Menuet in d - minor, original key
BWV Anhang 132 transcription for violin & celloMarch in D, original key
BWV Anhang 122 transcription for violin & cello
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Musette in D, original key
BWV Anhang 126 transcription for violin & cello6 Pieces from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena for violin & cello, 10p [grading 2-4 out of 10] $10 (pieces as above)
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* CHRISTIAN PETZOLD was a contemporary and friend of Bach, also living in Leipzig.
Although not well known, his pieces collected by J.S.Bach belong to the most often played pieces in the world, perhaps the most played ones.
However it seems no one ever made the effort to go through the local archives to edit his music.
In my opinion (and guess) we could find there more compositions, which demonstrate his sense of simplicity and perfection, ideal for students.
If anyone of the readers of this text feels a passion to do something extraordinary and worthwhile - here is an unexplored avenue in a world.__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Cimarosa - Larghetto arr. for violin & cello in B minor
This Larghetto is a movement with a melody of remarkable simlicity and beauty.
It has been transcribed as a concerto for oboe, as guitar duo and solo. The original is for piano. [grading 3-4 out of 10]
Free download
Thomas Morley - Almain arr. for recorder / violin & cello (see also violin & guitar / 2 cellos).
Parts 2p [grading 4 out of 10]
Free download fro now
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C E L L O - & - G U I T A R - D U O S
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Anonymus - The sick Tune for cello (recorder) & guitar
Three Songs together, 5p [grading 6 out of 10]
Free download
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Frederic Chopin - Cello Sonata op 65, Largo arr. for cello & guitar
This movement is the only chamber music work by Chopin, which could be transcribed for cello & guitar, in fact it is very suitable.
However for 150 years no one has done it, and any edition here after will certainly be an illegal copy of this one.
The unusual key of Bb major by a composer indulging in complex harmonies gives the guitarist a new feeling of possible combinations.
Cello part free download
This is a copy of a wonderful handwriting from c 1900 [ I purchased it in Prague in 1973]; obviously the owner had lost the cello part and wrote it out.
In the complete Sonata plus the Polonaise brilliant I have to my amazement not found a mistake nor has any place being corrected by crossing out -
white out and other means of correcting did not exist yet.
Guitar part 2p [grading 8 out of 10] $4
Archangalo Corelli - Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor (originally for violin and harpsichord): Sarabande
I kept the original key. The cello solo part is put in a range not to exceed a difficulty of grade 6.
Free download
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See also this Corelli Sonata complete for violin & guitar and for 2 cellos.
Georg F. Handel - Aria F major from the opera "Rinaldo" (Aria de Almirena: Lascia ch'io pianga (Let me weep)
Cello & guitar with cello continuo ad libitum
[grading: cello 4 out of 10 / guitar 5 out of 10 / cello continuo 1-2 out of 10]
Free download or now
Thomas Morley - Almain arr. for cello & guitar (see also recorder/violin & guitar / 2 cellos).
[grading 4 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Antonio Vivaldi - Sonata No 5 E minor arr. for cello & guitar (see also solo cello).
3rd movement - Largo
[grading 4 out of 10]
Free download for now
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G U I T A R - S O L O S - & - D U O S
Anonymus / Phalese - Passamezzo (solo guitar)
- A stunning little dance from the collection by Phalese1560
TAB and notes [grading 3-4 out of 10]
Free download
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Bach J.S. - Praeambulum C major (guitar solo)
- No 1 from the "Klavierbuechlein fuer Wilhelm-Friedemann (Bach)"
BWV 924 [grading 7 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Bach J.S. - Prelude C major - from the "Well tempered Clavier" (guitar solo)
BWV 846 [grading 7 out of 10]
Free download for now (see also TAB)
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Bach J.S. - CELLO SUITE No 1 in G major BWV 1007 transcribed for guitar solo in D major:
There are many editions of this wonderful music.
In general they are written by guitarists, who have never played the original.
Before I arranged this edition I had performed and recorded the Suite for decades on cello.
I have also played the 4 original 18th century manuscripts.
This edition includes the notes, which I miss being there, limited by the impossibility playing distant notes together on the cello.
I wrote my first attempt in 1995 after being horrified by the transcription by John Duarte.To the transcription of the Cello Suites:
A - Bach did not transcribe from cello/violin to guitar/lute by adding nothing.
Only one movement of his own transcriptions remained unchanged, single lined: the Sarabande of Suite 3 / cello No 5, which occupies a very special position as a movement in Bach's works.
(See "the B A C H theme" in the Sarabande in the "cello solos" section).
B - Although he was the composer, he had such faithfulness to his own composition he did not once took a melody note out or changed it.
(exception: In the Gigue of Suite 3 (cello No 5) he added a rest in the melody /
in the Allemande he double dotted the rhythm of some ornaments in the lute transcription, considering the higher clarity of fast notes on the lute).
C - It follows: We must not change melody notes! (which is done in many transcriptions)
D - Bach added notes, often a counterpart in the polyphonic style, with a sense of regularity in pattern and rhythm, not taking away from the original impact and character of the movement.
Bach Cello Suite 1 Prelude (guitar solo)
- Transcription in D major
BWV 1007 [grading 7 out of 10]
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Bach Cello Suite 1 Allemande (guitar solo)
- Transcription in D major
BWV 1007 [grading 7 out of 10]
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Bach Cello Suite 1 Courante (guitar solo)
- Transcription in D major
This version offers at some places different options dependent on difficulty and taste of the player.
The Courante suits the guitar very well.
BWV 1007 [grading 7 out of 10]
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Bach Cello Suite 1 Sarabande (guitar solo)
- Transcription in D major
The ornaments in this arrangement are taken from the late 18th century manuscripts named "C" and "D" (published in the Baerenreiter edition).
During Bach's time a code of practice encouraged certain ornaments.
In the following period copiers felt increasingly obliged to include the ornaments used in their copies, which left us luckily with a message how it would have been played during Bach's own time.
BWV 1007 [grading 6 out of 10]Bach Cello Suite 1 Minuet 1 & 2 (guitar solo)
- Transcription in D major
This transcription is based on the version for 2 cellos (see above). Especially Minuet 2 sounds absolutely beautiful.
BWV 1007 [grading 7 out of 10]
Free download for now.
Bach Cello Suite 1 Gigue (guitar solo)
- Transcription in D major
This Gigue of Suite 1 is compared to the Gigues from Cello Suites 2 & 3 virtually undercomposed.
Bach did not use yet the option of the drone, which he added it in the next suites. I added it here and it fits beautiful.
BWV 1007 [grading 7 out of 10]Bach J.S. - CELLO SUITE No 1 complete (guitar solo)
BWV 1007, 10p [grading 7 out of 10] $10
Bach J.S. - From CELLO SUITE No 3 in C major BWV 1009 transcribed for guitar solo in A major:
Bach Cello Suite 3 Sarabande (guitar solo)
- Transcription in A major
Most of the transcription of this Sarabande are far too full with masses of notes added in chords and bass.
This slim edition comes much closer to the impact and musical message of the original cello part. It is also much easier to play.
BWV 1009 [grading 6-7 out of 10]
Free download for now.
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Bach Cello Suite 3 Gigue (guitar solo)
- Transcription in A major
Most of the transcription of this Gigue I regard as too full. This edition is smooth to play.
BWV 1009 [grading 8 out of 10]
Free download for now.
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Bach J.S. - From CELLO SUITE No 6 in D major BWV 1012 transcribed for guitar solo in E major:
Bach Cello Suite 6 Gavotte I & II (guitar solo)
- Transcription in E major
This edition is very close to the original cello part.
BWV 1012 [grading 6-7 out of 10]
Free download for now.
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J.S.Bach - Praeludium D minor (Guitar Duo) BWV 926
- No 4 from the "Klavierbuechlein fuer Wilhelm-Friedemann (Bach)"
BWV 926 - Beautiful Duo to play together [grading 5 out of 10]
Free download
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Bach J.S. - From the Note Book for Anna Magdalena (guitar solo)
The Petzold Pieces* (see below)
- The Collection by J.S.Bach for Anna Magdalena contains compositions by other composers than Bach.
In many editions they are mistakenly contributed to Bach.
He mentions the name CHRISTIAN PETZOLD* as the composer of the famous first 2 Menuets.
The other 4 pieces are by an "unknown" composer (not Bach).
However the style of the other two Menuets is identical to the ones by Petzold so that we can asssume he was the composer.
The Musette and Marche are very similar in style.Bach/Petzold - Menuet in G, arranged for guitar in A
BWV Anhang 114 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]
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Bach/Petzold - Menuet in g - minor arranged for guitar in e - minor
BWV Anhang 115 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]
Bach/Petzold - Menuet in G arranged for guitar in the original key
BWV Anhang 116 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]
Bach/Petzold - Menuet in d - minor arranged for guitar in the original key
and arrangd in e - minor
BWV Anhang 132 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]
Bach/Petzold - March in D, arranged for guitar in the original key
BWV Anhang 122 transcription for solo guitar [grading 6 out of 10]Bach/Petzold - Musette in D, arranged for guitar in the original key
BWV Anhang 126 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]BACH / PETZOLD - 6 PIECES from "the Notebook of Anna Magdalena" AS ABOVE. 7p [grading 5-6 out of 10] $8
* CHRISTIAN PETZOLD was a contemporary and friend of Bach, also living in Leipzig.
Although not well known, his pieces collected by J.S.Bach belong to the most often played pieces in the world, perhaps the most played ones.
However it seems no one ever made the effort to go through the local archives to edit his music.
In my opinion (and guess) we could find there more compositions, which demonstrate his sense of simplicity and perfection, ideal for students.
If anyone of the readers of this text feels a passion to do something extraordinary and worthwhile - here is an unexplored avenue in a world..Ferrer Jose / Ejercicio op 10 No 9 with accampaniment by G.M. ( guitar Duo)
- A famous favourite for guitar students.
Even nicer with an accompaniment, which gradually evolved in lessons
[grading 3 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Satie Erik / Three Gymnopedies - No 1 (solo guitar)
- So far as I have found, this is the most faithful transcription and in sound the most comparable.
[grading 6 out of 10]
Free download for now
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ScarlattiDomenico / Sonata A major - Andante cantabile (solo guitar)
K .208 / L.238 [grading 8 out of 10]
Free download
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Georg Mertens / GUITAR STUDENT PERFORMANCE PIECES
All pieces include an accompaniment for the teacher
These pieces sound harder than they are, are fun to play and teach at the same time specific musical and technical facilities.
Music for beginners does not need to be boring! We are learning much faster, when it's interesting
PART 1 - Easy reading of strings 1-3, only open bass strings. No shifts. [grading 1 out of 10]
6 Pieces with accompaniment. 8p / $8
1 E - Drive ( G.M. )
Originally written for a student, who could not keep the note E in mind. Fast, strict rhythm, alternating stroke. A piece for string 1 & 2 only.
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2 Road to the Mountains ( G.Mertens )
Melody for string 1-3 with accompaniment.
3 B - Drive ( G.Mertens )
Focussing on the note B. Teaching triplets, alternating stroke. String 1 - 3 only.
4 Blind Study ( G.Mertens )
Enhances the awareness to put the fingers on the correct strings. String 1 - 3 only.
- 4B Accompaniment to "Blind Study" and Exercise to read the open Bass strings
5 Evening ( G.Mertens )
Introducing open bass strings, holding fingers down in the melody. No notes together or chords.
6 Flamencino I ( G.Mertens )
Rhythmical melody, open bass strings. End note: melody and thumb together. An absolute favourite of all students.
With accompaniment.
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7 Twinkle, twinkle little Star
PART 2 - Builts up the facility of bass string playing and reading. [grading 1 to 2 out of 10]
5 Pieces with accompaniment. 8p / $8
In A major. Melody and bass notes (open strings) together; with accompaniment.
8 The Clown ( G.Mertens )
Thumb facility on open bass strings. Accidentals. Melody and bass together.
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9 Bass Study after Fernando Sor ( G.Mertens )
Bass notes. Moving theme in e minor, fast.
10 Asturiana ( G.Mertens )
Asturias theme, a student's request. In A minor. 2nd position in last line.
11 Flamencino II ( G.Mertens )
Includes all notes on the 3 bass strings. Introducing simple chords. Fast.___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
PART 3 - Easy Position play and shifts. [grading 2 out of 10]
6 Pieces with accompaniment. 8p / $8
12 Bumpy Road ( G.Mertens )
A major. All in 2nd position.
13 Tangillo ( G.Mertens )
Tango rhythm. Frequent easy shifting between positions 1 - 2. In A major. For 3 guitars
With accompaniments of rhythm and solo guitar (Solo guitar part comes also in TAB and is suitable for plectrum / electric guitar).
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14 Romance ( G.Mertens )
Introducing position play between pos 1 and 5. Moderate speed
15 Synchronisation Study ( G.Mertens )
Dynamic expressions. Tricky finger lifting. Positions 1 and 5.
16 Concert Toccatina ( G.Mertens ) plus a change of positions exercise.
A student wished to play J.S.Bach's Toccata in d minor. I explained, it's impossible on guitar, but promised to write something very similar.
17 Outer Space Sounds - unaccompanied ( G.Mertens )
Atmospheric / 12 Tone music.
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Mertens, Georg - Prelude No 1 - after H.Villa-Lobos for John Spiller
John asked me if I could write him a similar piece to Villa-Lobos Prelude I, but without the hard bits [grading 4 out of 10]. 3p $4
An effective performance piece in the style of Villa-lobos, technically easier, c 4 min
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G U I T A R - T A B S
of Classical Pieces - Tabs with rhythm notationI wrote this Tabs in 1980 before Tabs became popular.
I used a system, which combines our Tab of today with the Rhythm writing of our traditional music notation.
This way of writing did not become popular although I find it by far superior to our Tabs of today.
(see also the last Tab from c 1540) .
Anonymus - Spanish Romance (Tab)
- One of the most famous pieces ever written for guitar [grading 6 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Anonymus - Greensleeves (in the version of Francis Cutting 1580) (Tab)
- [grading 2 out of 10]
On the listening Link on the right hand side you can hear the abolutely beautiful set of Variations on Greensleeves for recorder and guitar
by an anonymus composer from the early 18th century.
Free download for now
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Bach J S - Bourree in e minor (Tab)
- from Lute Suite No 1 [grading 6 out of 10]
Free download for now
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BACH J. S. - PRELUDES FOR GUITAR (TABS)
Prelude C major from the "Well tempered Clavier" (Tab)
BWV 846 [grading 6 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Prelude from Cello Suite No I (D major, original G major) BWV 1007 (Tab)
[grading 7 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Little Prelude C major (Praeambulum) BWV 924 (Tab)
[grading 6 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Prelude A minor BWV 929 (Tab)
[grading 5 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Sanz Gaspar - Canarios (Tab)
- A tricky fast piece with multiple slurs (pull-ups and hammerings) in a changing beat of 6/8 and 3/4 [grading 7 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Sor Fernando - Study in B minor (Tab)
- beautiful simplicity. Also technically a fantastic study [grading 4 out of 10]
Free download for now
Tarrega Francesco - Lagrima (Tab)
- A beautiful slow piece, very Romantic. Lagrima means "tear" [grading 5 out of 10]
Free download for now
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Milan- Pavan 1 & 4 (c 1540)
- [grading 5 out of 10]
To the History of TABS (Tabulatures) :
By many Classical players TAB's are today regarded as "amateurish", unprofessional. However, Tabulatures are the original writing for guitar & lute.
This TAB here is a reprint of the original from c 1540!
What we call today our standard music notation is in fact also historically a Tab. It was introduced as a Tab for organ:
The notes represent the white keys, any derivation needs an "accidental", a # or b and are the black keys in between .
The base for this scale is natural a minor, the letters a - g from the alphabet, the same notes as for C major.
This is also the reason why our standard writing is inconvenient for guitar.
Sometimes from one note to the other it's one fret (a semitone), at other times two (a tone).
In the standard notation we need to learn the Tab for the white keys of the piano before we can translate the music into "guitar language".
Our symbols for the accidentals b and # and natural are going back to the gothic writing of b and h.
The h was the first black key to accomodate our non phrygian scale starting from A, also used in the major scale as the leading note.
In fact in Germany the note B represents our Bb, where as the note B is in German still called H.
The German notes ABC are the start of a phrygian scale, pointing to the Eastern origin of our scale system.
The English system threw the H out altogether (In Westminster Abbey is an early Renaissance painting still showing the scale including the notes B and H
pointing out that the letter H for our B of today had been used in Britain as well; see this picture above under "cello solo" Bach).
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G U I T A R - A C C O M P A N I M E N T S - T O - V I O L I N - G Y P S Y - P I E C E S :
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Vittorio Monti - Czardas Composed by an Italian living in London, dedicated to a French woman, today regarded as the quintessential Hungarian Gypsy piece.
Guitar accompaniment including introduction. [grading 7 out of 10] 3p $ 4Violin Part (public domain):
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Johannes Brahms - Hungarian Dance No 5
Guitar accompaniment. 2p [grading 7 out of 10] $4Violin Part (public domain):
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Guitar accompaniment to:
Hungarian Fantasy by W. Russ-Bovelino
[grading 7 out of 10]
Free download
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Guitar accompaniment to:
The Son of the Puszta (Der Sohn der Heide) by Bela Keler
[grading 6 out of 10]
Free download
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Guitar accompaniment to:
Hundred Kisses (Hungarian Traditional Gypsy song)
[grading 5 out of 10]
Free download
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The violin parts of Hngarian Fantasy & Hundred Kisses are published in "The Gipsy Violin" / Vienna World Music
Guitar accompaniment to:
Lento of Zigeunerweisen / Gypsy Airs by Pablo Sarasate
[grading 6 out of 10]
Free download
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V I O L I N - ( R E C O R D E R )- & - G U I T A R - D U O S.
TWO HUNGARIAN GYPSY SONGS WITH VARIATIONS
Georg Mertens - Variations on "My Fiddle is broken, my Heart is broken"
including "Gypsy Adagio"
& Don Giorgio Mainerio (c 1540 - 1580) - Ungaresca
Together, violin & guitar [grading 6 out of 10] 4p $5
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Georg Mertens - Ideas upon "Slowly flows the River Maros"
Slow original Hungarian Gypsy song with Django Reinhardt style Variations :
violin & guitar [grading 8 out of 10] 8p $7
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Georg Mertens - Cantilena (for Geoff & Mary Mitchell)
violin & guitar [grading 6 out of 10] 4p $5
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Tango: La Cumparsita - arranged by Georg Mertens
Violin & guitar [grading 6 out of 10] 3p $4
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Astor Piazzolla - Milonga del Angel arr. for violin & guitar
violin & guitar [grading 7 out of 10] score and parts 7p $5
Contact: georgcello@hotmail.com for the complete score .
THREE RENAISSANCE PIECES
William Byrd - Wolseys Wilde for recorder & guitar
William Byrd - La Volta for recorder & guitar
Anonymus - The sick Tune for recorder/violin & guitar
Three Songs together, 5p [grading 6 out of 10], $6
"The sick Tune " track 15
W. Byrd "La Volta" track 16
W. Byrd "Wolseys Wilde" track 17
(Jodie Goldney recorder / Georg Mertens guitar
Antonio Vivaldi - Largo from "La Stravaganza" XI - violin & guitar
[grading 3-4 out of 10]
Free download
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Archangalo Corelli - Sonata opus 5, No 8 - e minor (originally for violin and harpsichord):
Preludio - Allemande - Sarabande - Gigue
In my opinion this is the most beautiful of the set of 12 violin sonatas op 8.
There exists a transcription for guitar of the harpsichord part by Schaller (Universal Edition, Karl Scheit).
Although the print is very fine, I found the guitar part on the border of ugly and also clumsy to play.
I transcribed the guitar part from scratch; I feel it flows beautiful and is not even harder to play.For the violin & harpsichord part please click here for a free 19th century edition (Public Domain)
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The cello continuo plays the lowest part of the bass line.Corelli Sonata op 5, No 8 - Guitar Parts
Preludio - Allemande - Sarabande - Gigue. 4p [grading 7 out of 10] $5
See also this Corelli Sonata for 2 cellos and the Sarabande for cello & guitar.Thomas Morley - Almain arr. for recorder/violin & guitar (see also 2 cellos).
Parts 2p [grading 4 out of 10]
Free download
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Deep Sorrow / Hungarian Traditional Gypsy song - violin & guitar
[grading 5 out of 10]
Free download
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(For physical CD's see section "CD releases" - top left section)
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C E L L O - M E T H O D
by Georg Mertens
From the Beginning to the Completion of Position 4
( Free downloads )
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This Cello Method sets the following standard:.
* Every piece is a musical unit.
* Exercises are short and to the point.
* Pieces are accompanied with a second cello - either student & teacher
* The progression of pieces and exercises ensures every new step is prepared.
* The talented student might fly through and still enjoy every piece and finds the exercises useful.
The average talented student will enjoy every step and progress gradually from level to level without suddenly experienceing obstacles
(When a student finds an instrument "hard" or finds it difficult from a certain point onwards, it is usually the result of confronting the student with material he/she is not prepared for.
In this method has been done everything possisble to avoid these obstacles) .Georg Mertens has been a cello teacher for more than 35 years.
Already during his studies he got hold of every available teaching method and came to the conclusion, that they are without exception relatively poor;
they mainly work for students who would learn with any method (or without).
Today many new cello methods are often "made up" to limp along with other instruments, like violins or even brass.
This cello method is written just for cello, has been tested and corrected over a 20 year period, resulting in most enjoyable and well planned cello method available.
Copyright for all parts of this method Georg Mertens (2009).
Free copying welcome. Any use for commercial purpose is prohibited._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Note: It is illegal to charge for copies from this site.
VOLUME 1 (see below for Volume 2):
No 0 - 50 , FIRST POSITION [Difficulty grading of No 1 - 49: 1 out of 10]
(click on coloured fields to view and print / free copies print as A5)
No 0 - Introduction into terms and notes
(includes the system of notation, how easy it is to start reading music for cello / the history of the symbols of up & down bow)
No 1 - Learning to play in rhythm on open strings
- (includes 1/4 reading, counting & playing 4/4, rhythmical bow movement and feel / rests)
No 2 - Half notes on open strings (1/2) / Accompaniment to No 1,2,4
- (teaches to create a more continuous sound and feeling with the bow / bow treatment for the different strings)
No 3 - Rain, rain go away [traditional English]
- (Introducing the left hand, reading 2 notes without finger indication, stretch from1 - 4, pizzicato / with 2nd cello playable for students)
No 4 & 5 - Dotted Minims, 3/4 notes / 5 Long, short, short, long (corrected March '11)
- (introducing 3/4 notes / strokes in upper and lower half / accompaniment fostering counting)
6 - 18 PIECES IN THE KEY OF D MAJOR
No 6 & 7 - Twinkle, twinkle little Star [melody: Traditional Austrian] (No 6 is the open strings accompaniment)
- (The accompaniment is the exact same bowing as the song, preparing to use in the song bow and left hand together)
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No 8 - Mary has a little Lamb [Traditional English] with 2nd cello for students
- (easy up and down movement reading. The repeated theme has no fingerings written to teach reading the actual notes)
No 9 - French Folk Song [Traditional French] with 2nd cello for the teacher
- (starting V in order to have the finish notes in down bow / most students will hear themselves that their 3d finger is too flat; this is an exellent piece to sharpen their ear for good intonation - they are grateful)
No 10 - Tica tica Tuc - tuc; Quavers/ 8th notes [Mertens] with 2nd cello for students
- (repetitive rhythmical pattern, fun for students, also introducing 1st finger on G and C string)
No 11/12 - Frere Jacques / Where is Thumbkin [Traditional French] & All my little Ducklings / Alle meine Entchen [Traditional German] with 2nd cello for students
- (In Frere Jacques every bar is repeated; the repeated bar has no fingerings / All my little Ducklings is a song based on a scale, in Germany the first beginner song)
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No 13/14 - Scale in D major & Lightly Row / Haenschen klein [Traditional German] correcting the wrong and too well known Suzuki version / with 2nd cello
- (The scale has a rest between the notes to prepare the next finger and to teach not to lift the bow)
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No 15 - Song of Joy / Ode to peace / Freude schoener Goetterfunke [Beethoven] with easy 2nd cello for students
- (easy up and down reading song / recommended for memory play / introduction of dotted rhythm)
No 16 - Baa Baa Black Sheep [Traditinal English] with easy 2nd cello for students
- (This song is harder than it looks. Children often wish to play it; can be skipped / teaches like the Fox Song to leave a finger for convenience and intonation on the old string)
No 17 - Fox Song / Song of the Wind / Fuchs du hast Gans gestohlen [Traditional German] with 2nd cello for students. Corrects the wrong Suzuki version
- (Fun rhythmical movement song / teaches to leave a finger for convenience and better intonation on the old string)
No 18 - Bee baa Bootzelman / Der Bi Ba Butzelmann [Traditional German] with a fun pizzicato part for the teacher
- (fun melody and rhythmical song with contrasting middle part in dotted rhythm / teaches 2 up bows in a row on different strings / note reading with larger intervals)
19 - 30 PIECES IN THE KEY OF G MAJOR
No 19 to 21 - 19 The Notes of the second finger / 20 The notes in G major / 21 The scale in G major
- (An introduction into the new key G major including the use of the second finger - and the comparison with the third - and the scale in G)
No 22 - Andantino [Carcassi] - Introducing the 2nd finger / with cello accompaniment for the teacher
- (Finally a typical instrumental piece, a joy to play. This little piece fixes also the problem of touching by mistake the wrong string)
No 23 - Silent Night / Heilige Nacht [Max Gruber] with 2nd cello for students
- (This song has a wide range covering all notes from the C on the A string to the open G string. Fosters in the Duo rhythmical awarenes, holding notes)
No 24 - Duo in G major for 2 cellos [Mertens] 2nd cello for students
- (playful Duo based on triads. Cello 2 plays an imitation)
No 25 - Happy Birthday [Traditional English] (with 2nd cello for students)
SLURS
No 26 - Slur Exercises
- (Learning slurs in string crossings and also from note to note. Trains a gradual transition between strings. Makes aware of and corrects bow direction)
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No 27 - Quick Tune, 2 notes slurred [Mertens] (for 2nd cello for students see below)
- (Fun piece in Irish style with frequent 2 note slurs in string crossings and parts of scales. Sounds great)
- No 27a - 2nd cello for students to Quick Tune
- (complimenting No 27 with counter and parallel figures in the same technique)
No 28 - Rigadoon [Purcell] for Accompaniment see No 41
- (typical instrumental dance. Favourite of all students. Makes them practice the harder bits)
No 29 - Nun ruhen alle Waelder [Bach] 2nd cello accompaniment for the teacher
- ( The original tune was by Isaac c. 1490. One of Bach's favourite melodies, a bit slow for younger students)
No 30 - Down in these Woods / Dort niedn in diesem Holze [Traditional German] with 2nd cello for students
- (Beautiful Renaissance song)
31 - 35 PIECES IN THE KEY OF C MAJOR
No 31 - Scale in C major / with 2nd cello for students
- (Written out in 3/4 with a rest to teach starting each bow with a good sound on every string and note)
No 32 - Orientation Study in C [Mertens] with 2nd cello for students
- (In this study the student experiences the open string intervals followed by the notes in between. For students, who don't practice the scale)
No 33 - Intonation Study [Mertens] 2nd cello accompaniment for the teacher
- (like in a slow trill the student can correct the intonation by repetition of the same step/ very educational)
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No 34 - The Hippopotamus - bass notes fun [Mertens] 2nd cello accompaniment for the teacher
- (a funny piece, portraits the character of the Hippo using the low register / convincing when performed)
No 35 - Nimble Fingers [Mertens] 2nd cello in pizzicato for students
- (strictly always separated 8/8. The piece is based on the C scale. It is physically more fun and teaches the scale)
36 - 50 PIECES IN DIFFERENT KEYS
No 36 - Maienzeit / Maytime [Neidhardt] with 2nd cello for students
- (Written c. 1200, the oldest song I know. Beautiful flow of melody in aeolian mode. Slurs are balancing 2/8 with 1/4)
No 37 - Scarborough Fair [Traditional English] with 2nd cello for students
- (famous Renaissance song. Uneven bows, always 2/4 down against 1/4 up, a challenge to control the eveness of sound)
No 38 - Sakura, Sakura [Traditional Japanese] 2nd cello for students, but difficult
- (famous Japanese song, very slow and full of character. Teaches patience in the bow)
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No 39 - Hartikvoh [Traditional Jewish] with 2nd cello for students
- (beautiful Hebrew melody / favourite of many students)
No 40 - The Ashgrove [Traditional English] for 2nd cello for students see No 40a
- ( cheerful old English tune with a dance like middle section)
- No 40a - Accompaniment to "The Ashgrove" for students
- (sempre pizzicato, hard for students)
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No 41 - Rigadoon II [Purcell] Accompaniment to No 28
- ( this time the accompaniment is much harder than the melody / recommended a slower pace for learning)
No 42 - Study in C major after Fernando Sor / for 2nd cello for students see No 42a
- (originally for guitar, this study is like written for the cello, sounds wonderful and Includes all notes from the open C string to the high C on A; great for reading)
- No 42a - Accompaniment to Study in C major (F. Sor) for students
No 43 - Early one Morning [Traditional English] (with 2nd cello for students
- (seemingly easy this little old song is a challenge for the string crossings)
.No 44 - We wish you a Merry Christmas [16th Century Anonymus] with 2nd cello for students
- (Famous Renaissance song with counter melody)
No 45 - Study in G major after Dotzauer / with 2nd cello for students
- (4 & 8 notes slurred / great study for even bow movement)
.No 46 - Pavan [ Luis Milan] for 2nd cello see below
- (Pavan = a proud Remaissance peacock dance - (with the feather in the helmet / one of the earliest instrumental compositions except organ in history)
- Accompaniment to "Pavan"for the teacher
- (the accompaniment gives the Duo nearly an orchestral sound / very effective)
No 47a/ 47 - Staccato & Double Stop Exercise / 47 - Morning Stroll [Gretchaninov] with 2nd cello for teacher & students see below
- (teaching 2 up bows in a row with in different characters / teaches also switching from pizz to arco)
- No 47b & c - Two Accompaniments to "Morning Stroll:
- (47b accompanimnt or the teacher close to the original & 47c easy fitting accompaniment for the student)
No 48 - Jingle Bells [Pierpont] for 2nd cello for students see below
- (Not only the theme, but also the first part. One original note is too high, but perhaps the keen student can get it!)
- No 48a - Accompaniment to "Jingle Bells" for students
- (for the left hand this accompaniment is very easy, but it requires a good rhythm!)
No 49 - Hornpipe [Irish Fiddle Tune] with 2nd cello for students
- (Teaches to hold the first finger unmoved. Well known fast Irish tune. Short bows bring the speed)
No 50 - Exercise for Double Stops / Bagpipe Song [Mertens] with 2nd cello for students, see below
- (The simple double stop exercise is extremely helpful / The song has permanent double stops, the lower note is always an open string or a flat first finger)
- No 50a - Accompaniment to "Bagpipe Song" for students
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CELLO METHOD - VOLUME 2:The Extended Positions and Positions 1/2, & 2,3,4
51 - 55 THE EXTENDED FIRST POSITION (BACK / b )
[Difficulty grading of No 51 - 64: 2 out of 10]
No 51a - Exercise for the Extended Position back (b) & No 51 - Dona, Dona [Traditional Yiddish] (2nd cello see below)
- (Starting with the extension back brings the hand naturally in the correct position for all extensions. Watch that the 4th finger is always back in tune!
Many methods start with the extension up (#). The result is usually, that finger 2 and 3 don't play a correct note anymore.
(I took many students, who had learned e.g. with the Suzuki method, which has been conceived from the violin.
So many students using this method stop playing, because extension and shifts are taught too badly)
No 51b - Exercise 2 for the Extended Position back & 2nd cello accompaniment to "Dona, Dona" for the teacher
- (All pizzicato guitar like accompaniment for the teacher )
No 52 - Choral: Christus der uns selig macht [Bach] with 2nd cello for the teacher
- (This Choral is not only very beautiful, it also includes in slow motion extending from 1 to 2 upwards)
No 53 - Spagnoletto [Negri] with 2nd cello for students
- (Bouncy Renaissance dance with fast extension play)
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No 54 - Choral: O Haupt voll Blut umwunden [Bach] with 2nd cello for the teacher
- (Famous Bach Choral. The slow Chorals point out and helps improve intonation)
No 55 - Passamezzo [Phalese] with 2nd cello for students
- (Old dance with an interesting striking harmony: G minor alternating with F major. It is important not to rush bar 1!)
56 - 60 THE EXTENDED FIRST POSITION (UP / # )
No 56a & b - Exercises for the Extended Position (#)
- (56a is to play once through for understanding the process. 56b is very useful to play regularly)
No 57 - Scale in D major / No 58 - Study in D [Mertens] with 2nd cello for students [new Jan 2012]
- (2 octave D major scale is the essential extension scale. The study reinforces by repetition the extension steps)
No 59 - Minuet in C [Petzold / Bach] for 2nd cello for students see No 68
- (This famous Minuet has the extension in only one spot. The problem is often in the bow, in bar 1 the movemt up is not regular, but 2 notes on the D string)
No 60 - Study in Aeolian mode [ Mertens] with 2nd cello for students [new Jan 2012]
- (Written in B minor, the relative to D major, the Aeolian mode (like melodic minor down) has something very appealing)
61 - 64 FIRST POSITION WITH MIXED EXTENSIONS
No 60a/ 61 - Accompaniment to "Bourree in 5 / Scale in d melodic minor"
No 62 - Gilderoy [Traditional Irish] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 63 - Danza [Chilesotti] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 64 - Greensleeves [after Cutting] (with 2nd cello for students)
65 - 68 THE HALF POSITION[Difficulty grading of No 65 - 85: 3 out of 10]
No 65 - Exercise for Half Position / No 66 - La Folia [Spanish Anonymus] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 67 - Tis the last Rose of Summer [Morley] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 68 - Accompaniment to Minuet in C [Petzold/Bach, No 59]
69 - 80 THE SECOND POSITION
No 69 - Exercises for Second Position (not extended)
No 70 - Aria [Lully]
No 71 - Dominion [Irish Traditional] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 72 - Hungarian Dance [Book of Sopron] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 73 - 73a Ornaments, trill & mordents / 73b Trill Exercise
No 74 - Bianco Fiore [Negri] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 75 - Exercise for the EXTENDED 2nd POSITION
& No 76a - Accompaniment to Minuet 2 in C for students [Petzold/Bach]
No 76 - Minuet 2 in C [Petzold?/Bach] (with 2nd cello for students see above)
No 77 - Old Reel [Traditional Irish] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 78 - The Sandman [Zuccalmaglio] (with 2nd cello for students) corrected March '11
No 79 - Star of County Down [Traditional Irish] (with 2nd cello for students see below)
No 79a/b - Accompaniment to "Star of County Down / Preperatory Exercise to "Irish Washerwoman"
No 80 - Irish Washerwoman [Traditional Irish] (with 2nd cello for students)
81 - 88 THE THIRD POSITION
No 81 - Exercises for the high Third Position
No 82 - Alman [anonymus 16th century] (with 2nd cello for students)
No 83 - Dorogoi Dlinnoyu (Those were the days my friend) [Boris Fomin] corrected March '11
This instrumental tune became known as the song "Those were the Days" with Mary Hopkin 1968
.
- Accompaniment (2nd cello) to Dorogoi Dlinoyu (Those were the days) [G.M.) corrected March '11
No 84 - Swedish Tune [Bernhard Romberg]
- No 84a - Accompaniment (2nd cello for students) to Swedish Tune [G.M.]
No 85 - Minuet in d minor [Bach/Petzold]
- No 85a - Accompaniment (2nd cello for students) to Minuet in d minor
[Difficulty grading of No 86 - 100: 4 out of 10]
No 86 - Study for the Extended 3rd Position [Mertens]
- No 86a - Accompaniment for students to "Study for the Extended 3rd Position"
No 87 - Hook Stroke Studies
No 88 - Theme from "Nutcracker Suite" [Tchaikovsky] (March of the Toy Soldiers)
- No 88a - Accompaniment for students to "Theme from Nutcracker Suite"
.
89 - 100 THE FOURTH POSITION
No 89 / 90 - Scale in G major / Exercise for Positions 1 to 4 [new Jan 2012]
No 91 - Study in G major for Positions 1-4 [Mertens] see below for the accompaniments
- No 91a - Accompaniment to Study in G major (2nd cello for students)
- No 91b - Accompaniment to Study in G major (3rd cello for students) [new Jan 2012]
No 92 - Jesu meine Freude, Choral for 2 cellos [J.S.Bach]
No 93 - Study with Harmonics: Cantilena - Andante [A.Kummer]
- No 93a - Accompaniment to Cantilena - Andante
No 94 - Systematic Exercise for Position 1 - 4 for all strings with accompaniment (2 pages) [G.M.]
No 95 - Theme from "For Elise" [L.v.Beethoven] with Accompaniment
No 96 - Spiccato Exercise & Accompaniment to "A Hundred Kisses"
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No 97 - A Hundred Kisses [Traditional Hungarian Gypsy]
No 98 - Autumn Leaves (La Feuilles de Mortes) [J.Kosma]
- No 98a - Accompaniment to "Autumn Leaves"
No 99 - Introduction into the Tenor Clef / The 12/8 bar/measure
No 100 - Giga [D. Dalla Bella]
- No 100a - Accompaniment to "Giga"
Major Scale Patterns
Students are usually taught to learn scales one after another without using any understanding. If they haven't played a scale for a while, they forget it.
But all scales have their pattern of intervals, and of course the fingerings will be the same, when they start with the same finger.Find here the patterns of the fingerings for the major scales.
In 2 weeks students will remember all major scales for all times!
Fingering Sheet for all major scales (3 octaves)
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Georg Mertens at Jenolan Caves
(photo Rob Whyte)
- Japanese
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Korean- Russian
-Hindii- Turkish
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Francaise- Italiano
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Portuguese- // - Arabic -
CONTACT:
for joining our email list,
questions and inquiries contact:
georgcello@hotmail.com
The Cello Concerts
in the Cathedral Chamber at Jenolan Caves
are with more than 140 concertsin over 12 years
the longest series of cello concerts in history!(see Homepage of the Cello Concerts in the left column)
Concert Bookings:
ph. 1300 76 3311 or 02 6359 3911 then dial 2NOW ALSO:
24 HOUR on-line BOOKING:
ph. 136 100
- or click on icon for:
cello concerts
RELATED CD's
(Click on CD covers to listen)
'Cello Solos' (click on icon to listen)
Tracks:
1 Georg Mertens - Cathedral Ciaconna - see sheet music
2 Georg Mertens - Variations on Neidhardt's “Maienzeit” - see sheetmusic
3 David Popper - Hungarian Rhapsody op 68
4 Camille Saint-Saens - The Swan - from The Carnival of the Animals - see sheetmusic
5 Georg Mertens - Arabian Improvisation
6 Manuel de Falla - Nana from Suite Populaire Espagnole - see sheetmusic
7 Isaac Albeniz - Asturias (Leyenda) from Suite Espanola ( arr. for cello solo by G M) - see sheetmusic
8 Astor Piazzolla - Verano Porteno ( arr. for cello solo by G M) - see sheetmusic
9 J.S.Bach - Sarabande from Suite V
10 Georg Mertens - Erh-Hu Improvisation
11 Heitor Villa-Lobos - Prelude No 3 from 5 Preludes for Guitar ( arr. for cello solo by G M) - see sheet music
12 Georg Mertens - Tango Celloguitar - see sheetmusic
13 Jules Massenet - Meditation from Thais (arr. for cello by G M) - see sheetmusic
14 William Squire - Tarantella op 23
15 Georg Mertens - Spanish Romance - see sheetmusic
16 Sergej Rachmaninov - Vocalise op 34, 14
17 Ich armes Maegdelein (Collection Forster 1546) - see sheetmusic
Jodie Goldney & Georg Mertens
(recorder (Blockfloete) & cello/guitar)
(click on icon to listen)
Tracks:
1 Anonymus - Greensleeves to a Ground - see sheetmusic
2 G.F.Handel - Sonata No 2 in A minor - Larghetto
3 - Allegro
4 - Adagio
5 - Allegro
6 G.Mertens - Multicultural Suite
- French Ounverture - see sheetmusic
7 - Scherzo - see sheetmusic
8 - Barbarian Intermezzo - Trio - see sheetmusic
9 - Arabia Nocturna - see sheetmusic
10 - Didgeridoo - see sheetmusic
11 B.Thorn - Salad Undressing II
12 - III
13 W.Rein - Dunkle Wolk (Dark cloud)
14 T.Morley - Almain see sheetmusic
15 Anonymus - The Sick Tune see sheetmusic
16 W.Byrd - La Volta see sheetmusic
17 Wolsey's - Wilde see sheetmusic
18 J.Dowland - Lachrimae Pavan
19 - The Earl of Essex his Galliard
20 Anonymus - Ghaetta
21 - Saltarello I
22 Susato - Tourdion
23 G.Mertens - Didgeridoo 2 - see sheetmusic
'Cello Favourites'
(click on icon to listen)
Tracks:
1 L.v. Beethoven - Sonatina d minor
2 J.B. Breval - Sonata C major Allegro
3 G.F. Handel - Aria
4 D. Dalla Bella - Giga - see sheetmusic
5 H. Eccles - Sonata g minor Largo
6 - - -- Allegro - see cello part
7 J.S. Bach Suite No I - G major: Prelude
8 - - - - Courante
9 Bach - Gounod- Ave Maria - see sheetmusic
10 J.S. Bach - Arioso
11 A. Vivaldi - Sonata e minor: - Largo - see sheetmusic
12 - - - - Allegro - see sheetmusic
13 G.B. Pergolesi - Nina
14 D. Popper - Happy (Fond) Recollections
15 G. Faure - Sicilienne
16 C. Cui - Oriental
17 P.I. Tschaikovsky - ChansonTriste
18 G. Marie - La Cinquantaine - see sheetmusic
19 P.I. Tschaikovsky - Valse Sentimental
20 B. Romberg - Sonata e minor Allegro non troppo
Georg and Gavin in rehearsal (photo Berkojoey)
The Paganini Duo
(Gustaw Szelski & Georg Mertens)
'Blue Mountains Gypsies'
(click on icon to listen)
Tracks:
1 Deep Sorrow (trad. Gypsy) - see sheetmusic
2 100 Kisses (trad.Hungarian) - see sheetmusic
3 Andante from Zigeunerweisen (Sarasate) - see sheetmusic
4 Black Eyes (trad. Gypsy)
5 Golden Earrings (Victor Young) 6 Lavota (trad.Hungarian)
7 River Maros (Georg Mertens) - see sheetmusic
8 Hungarian Fantasy (Russ Bovelino) - see sheetmusic
9 Sinai Hora (trad.Romanian)
10 Czardas (Monti) - see sheetmusic
11 My violin is broken (trad.Hungarian) - see sheetmusic
12 Ungaresca (Mainerio) - see sheetmusic
13 Rasposchol (trad.Russian)
14 Two Guitars (trad.Russian)
Gustaw on violin
(photo Michael Small from Kumbaya Studios/Leura)
Georg on guitar
(photo Michael Small from Kumbaya Studios/Leura)
(Gustaw Szelski & Georg Mertens)
'An Hour in Heaven'
(click on icon to listen)
Tracks:1 Bessarabian Girl
2 Your blue Eyes are stunning
3 Underground Improvisation / Bilbao
4 The old Gypsy
5 The Basso
6 Invitation to Dance
7 If you love me, never leave me
8 Mainerio Ungaresca
9 Two Guitars
10 Underground Improvisation / Moldavian Nights
11 Son of Puszta
12 Abandoned
13 Ivanovici Waves of the Danube - "Anniversary Valse"
14 Underground Improvisation /Tundra
15/16 Paganini - Centone di Sonata I
17 Monti Czardas - see sheetmusic
Concert at Jenolan Caves
(photo Michael Small from Kumbaya Studios/Leura)
Jenolan Caves
Jenolan Caves (photos GM)
