.
Sample: Fantasy P1
Georg Mertens - Variations on "Sakura, Sakura"
[Theme: Traditional Japanese] for cello solo. 2p [grading 7 out of 10] $3

Astor Piazzolla - Verano Porteno
originally Quintet, arranged by Georg Mertens for solo cello 3p
[grading 8-9 out of 10]
Contact: georgcello@hotmail.com for the complete score.
Camille Saint Saens - 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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Vincente Sojo - Cantico
originally guitar, arrangement for cello solo by Georg Mertens 2p [grading 8 out of 10] $3
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Heitor Villa-Lobos - 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]
Contact: georgcello@hotmail.com for the complete score .
Antonio Vivaldi - Sonata No 5 E minor, Largo I
This movement is here taken as an example of Baroque ornamentation, written out in the repeats.
Cello part only [grading 7 out of 10] . Free download
Antonio Vivaldi - 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
Antonio Vivaldi - Cello Sonata No 5 in E minor RV 40 arr. for cello & guitar .
This arrangement considers the strict rules of the counterpoint of the Baroque period. Care is taken that the guitar accompaniment sounds well on the guitar by itself.
1st movement Largo - 2nd movement Allegro -
3rd movement Largo (2) - 4th movement Allegro
Guitar parts 5 pages [grading 5-6 out of 10] $5

(Largo 1)
[Click here for more Cello & Guitar Duos]
cellosf
For arrangements of music for cello don't hesitate to contact: georgcello@hotmail.com
For music arrangements / tuition contact: georgcello@hotmail.com
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C E L L O - D U O S - & - u p - t o - 5 - C E L L O S
J.S. Bach - 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.
Ludwig van Beethoven - Theme from "For Elise" with Accompaniment for 2nd cello (part of "Cello Method" below) .
Free download
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Domenico Dalla Bella - 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
Archangalo Corelli - 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 Viola da Gamba music by M. Marais.
(Free download for now)
Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Preludio
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Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Allemande (modified 10 Feb 13)
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 (cello) & guitar (click here)
Boris Fomin - 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 1967
- with accompaniment for 2nd cello (part of "Cello Method" below) .
Free download
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Georg F. Handel - Aria F major from the opera "Rinaldo" (Aria de Almirena: Lascia ch'io pianga (Let me weep)
Cello with 2ns cello & 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
Georg F. Handel - 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
Camille Saint Saens - The Swan (Le Cygne) for 3 cellos
[grading 6 out of 10]
Free download
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
Thomas Morley - Almain arr. for 2 cellos (see also recorder / cello & guitar).
Parts 2p [grading 4 out of 10]
Free download
Henry Purcell - Dido's Lament from "Dido and Aeneas" arr. for 2 cellos
[grading 4 out of 10]
Free download
Please find in the "Cello Method" below c 90 Duos for 2 Cellos (click here).
vlncel
For arrangements of music for 2 or more cellos don't hesitate to contact: georgcello@hotmail.com
For music arrangements / tuition contact: georgcello@hotmail.com
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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
J.S.Bach - From the Note Book of Anna Magdalena
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
Menuet in g - minor, original key
BWV Anhang 115 transcription for violin & cello

Menuet in G, original key
BWV Anhang 116 transcription for violin & cello
3 Menuets (as above) from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena for violin & cello, 6p [grading 2-4 out of 10] $6
Menuet in d - minor, original key
BWV Anhang 132 transcription for violin & cello
March in D, original key
BWV Anhang 122 transcription for violin & cello

Musette in D, original key
BWV Anhang 126 transcription for violin & cello
3 Pieces (Menuet, March & Musette) from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena for violin & cello, 4p [grading 2-4 out of 10] $4
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
Archangalo Corelli - Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor (originally for violin and harpsichord): Preludio - Allemande - Sarabande - Gigue
Original key.
(Free downloads for now)
For the violin & harpsichord part please click below left for a 19th century edition (free, Public Domain)
Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Preludio
Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Allemande
Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Sarabande
Sonata opus 5 No 8 e minor - Gigue
See also this Corelli Sonata transcribed for violin (cello) & guitar (click here) .
See also above under "music for 2 cellos" the transcription for 2 cellos (same continuo part).
Georg Mertens - "Anniversay Valse" for violin & cello (for Geoff & Mary Mitchell)
[grading 6 out of 10] 4p $4


Georg Mertens - "Multicultural Suite" for diverse recorders (Blockfloete) & cello
((recorder & cello / guitar - click on CD cover to listen / order. Track 6 -10 Multicultural Suite )
Multicultural 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


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, 6p $6

Multicultural Suite complete. 5 movements: French Ouverture - Scherzo - Barbarian Intermezzo - Arabia Nocturna - Didgeridoo. [grading 6-8 out of 10] 14p $10
Thomas Morley - Almain arr. for recorder / violin & cello (see also violin & guitar / 2 cellos).
Parts 2p [grading 4 out of 10]
Free download for now
cellosg
For arrangements of music for violin (recorder) & cello don't hesitate to contact: georgcello@hotmail.com
For music arrangements / tuition contact: georgcello@hotmail.com
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C E L L O - & - G U I T A R - D U O S
a
Anonymus - The sick Tune for cello (recorder) & guitar
Three Songs together, 5p [grading 6 out of 10]
Free download
J.S.Bach - Sonata for Viola da gamba No 2, D major BWV 1028 arranged for cello & guitar
(here: the guitar accompaniment, suiting all editions of the cello part)
This Sonata is literally taken a Trio Sonata, written in the known form for the right hand of the harpsichord, the Viola da Gamba and the left hand of the harpsichord.
The Viola da Gamba does not - as one would expect - play the leading role. Rather it is placed in the middle (like a viola) in between the right and left hand of the harpsichord.
This set up might even suggest, that the known edition is a particular rendition, and it might as well have been meant for example for violin, a Viola da gambe and cello, the harpsichord playing the figured bass of the cello and in the form today as well the violin part.
In the arrangement here I found it more important to keep the top melody part complete ("violin") or right hand of the harpsichord rather than the left hand.
I therefore fitted in the bass part as much as playable, leaving out mainly transitional notes and ornaments in the bass.
Surprisingly this lead to an accompaniment, which sounds rhythmically clearer and also forms in its part its own
musical independence and sounds virtually like a complete guitar piece by being played just by itself.
Bach: Sonata for Viola da gamba D major, 4p [grading 6 out of 10] $4
Sample: Sonata for Viola da gamba No 2 D major, Allegro (guitar Accompaniment)
For an arrangement for 2 Guitars click here
Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonatina c 1795, D minor for cello & guitar (originally in C minor for mandolin & harpsichord)
The guitar is naturally very close in sound to the harpsichord. The combination of cello and guitar sounds here absolutely wonderful - as if originally intended.
There exist an edition for cello & piano by Stutschewsky (1931).
However, Stutschewsky changed the tempo from Adagio to Andante and lifts the tempo in the major part even to "Un poco animato".
Contrary to this suggestion the Adagio sounds very effective, especially if the tempo remains for the major part unchanged.
Stutschevsky changed also in the accompaniment the relationship between the solo instrument and the accompaniment and swapped parts around.
The edition here offered is as close as can be to the Beethoven original.
Beethoven Sonatina - cello part :

Beethoven Sonatina - guitar part :

Beethoven Sonatina (Adagio) for cello & guitar in D minor, 4p [grading 6 out of 10] $4
For an arrangement for 2 Guitars click here
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 - in bass clef.
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] $3

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 (click here). For the continuo cello part see under "music for 2 cellos".
Georg F. Handel - Aria F major from the opera "Rinaldo" (Aria de Almirena: Lascia ch'io pianga (Let me weep)
Cello with 2nd cello & guitar accompaniment
[grading: cello 4 out of 10 / cello continuo 1-2 out of 10 / guitar 5 out of 10 /]
Free download for now
Thomas Morley - Almain arr. for cello & guitar (see also recorder/violin & guitar / 2 cellos).
[grading 4 out of 10]
Free download for now
Robert Schumann - 5 Stuecke im Volkston op 102 (5 Pieces in popular mood) arr. for cello & guitar.
This arrangement sounds like written for cello & guitar.
The arrangement didn't need any shortcuts. The solo parts in the guitar come out very well.
2nd movement "Langsam" (Adagio)
Cello part free download (first print, 1879 with a few bowing and fingering suggestions)
Guitar parts 2 pages [grading 6 out of 10] $3

Antonio Vivaldi - Cello Sonata No 5 in E minor RV 40 arr. for cello & guitar (see also solo cello).
This arrangement considers the strict rules of the counterpoint of the Baroque period. I wrote here a guitar accompaniment, which sounds well on the guitar by itself.
I demonstrate in the first movement an example of Baroque ornamentation, written out in the repeats.
Largo:
Allegro:

Largo:
Allegro:
Complete - 4 movements: 1st movement Largo - 2nd movement Allegro -
3rd movement Largo - 4th movement Allegro
Guitar parts 5 pages [grading 5-6 out of 10] $5
Sample P 1:
guitar
For arrangements of music for cello & guitar don't hesitate to contact: georgcello@hotmail.com
For music arrangements / tuition contact: georgcello@hotmail.com |
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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
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
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)
Bach J.S. - Sarabande B minor - from Violin Partita No 2 BWV 1002 (guitar solo)
[grading 7 out of 10]
Free download for now
J.S.Bach - Sonata for Viola da gamba No 2, D major BWV 1028 arranged for 2 guitars
(here: the guitar accompaniment, suiting all editions of the cello part)
This Sonata is literally taken a Trio Sonata, written in the known form for the right hand of the harpsichord, the Viola da Gamba and the left hand of the harpsichord.
The Viola da Gamba does not - as one would expect - play the leading role. Rather it is placed in the middle (like a viola) in between the right and left hand of the harpsichord.
This set up might even suggest, that the known edition is a particular rendition, and it might as well have been meant for example for violin, a Viola da gambe and cello, the harpsichord playing the figured bass of the cello and in the form today as well the violin part.
In the arrangement here I found it more important to keep the top melody part complete ("violin") or right hand of the harpsichord rather than the left hand.
I therefore fitted in the bass part as much as playable, leaving out mainly transitional notes and ornaments in the bass.
Surprisingly this lead to an accompaniment, which sounds rhythmically clearer and also forms in its part its own musical independence and sounds virtually like a complete guitar piece by being played just by itself.
Bach: Sonata for Viola da gamba D major, 7p [grading 6 out of 10] $7
Sample: Sonata for Viola da gamba No 2 D major, Allegro (guitar melody & accompaniment)
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.
In my transcription of the Cello Suites I considered the following 4 guide lines:
A - Bach did not transcribe from cello/violin to guitar/lute by adding nothing.
B - Although he was the composer, he had such faithfulness to his own composition he virtually never took a melody note out or changed it.
(exceptions: 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 - As 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, I did so too.
We don't know what Bach would have done, but this would be about the closest we could get. Also: Bach often wrote several versions, as there are always many options.
Bach Cello Suite 1 Prelude (guitar solo)
- Transcription in D major
BWV 1007 [grading 7 out of 10] 2p $3

Bach Cello Suite 1 Allemande (guitar solo)
- Transcription in D major
BWV 1007 [grading 7 out of 10]

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]
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 Menuet 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]

(Menuet 1)

(Menuet 2)
Minuet2g-d.pd
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):
Prelude - Allemande - Courante - Sarabande - Menuet I & II - Gigue
BWV 1007, 10p [grading 7-8 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
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
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 7 out of 10]
Free download for now
J.S.Bach - Praeludium D minor [not the guitar/lute solo one] (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
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.
Today 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, the Musette and March are identical to the ones by Petzold it is likely he was the composer.
To the transcriptions:
- By surprise all the "Bach
/ Petzold " pieces below fitted miraculously well onto one guitar, although on the piano the parts are one octave further apart and one would assume, the task of transcribing would be impossible.
They are also not too hard to play, just medium (5-6 out of 10)
SET 1
Menuet in G, arranged for guitar in A
BWV Anhang 114 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]
Menuet in g - minor arranged for guitar in e - minor
BWV Anhang 115 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]
Menuet in G arranged for guitar in the original key
BWV Anhang 116 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]
[Set 1] The 3 Menuets above from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena arr. for guitar, 3p [grading 5 out of 10] $4
SET 2
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]
March in D, arranged for guitar in the original key
BWV Anhang 122 transcription for solo guitar [grading 6 out of 10]
Musette in D, arranged for guitar in the original key
BWV Anhang 126 transcription for solo guitar [grading 5 out of 10]
[Set 2] The 3 Pieces above (Minuet / March / Musette) from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena arr. for guitar, 3p [grading 5-6 out of 10] $4
* 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.
Ludwig van Beethoven - Sonatina c 1795, D minor for 2 guitars (originally in C minor for mandolin & harpsichord)
In a sense both mandolin and harpsichord are a plucked instrument.
The guitar is naturally very close to both.
The oringianl combination is hardly being performed.
I prefer this combination here and hope to have added a nearly original Beethoven to the guitar repertoir!
Beethoven Sonatina - guitar 1:

Beethoven Sonatina - guitar 2 (this part is also the accompaniment of the cello arrangemen):

Beethoven Sonatina (Adagio) for 2 guitars in D minor, 4p [grading 6 out of 10] $4
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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Mertens Georg / 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]
1 E - Drive ( G. Mertens )
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.
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. Very nice sad song.
6 Flamencino I ( G. Mertens )
Rhythmical melody, open bass strings. End note: melody and thumb together. An absolute favourite of all students.
With accompaniment.
PART 2 - Builts up the facility of bass string playing and reading. [grading 1 to 2 out of 10]
7 Twinkle, twinkle little Star
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.
9 Bass Study after Fernando Sor ( G. Mertens )
Bass notes. Moving theme in e minor, fast. With counterpoint accompaniment.
10 Asturiana ( G. Mertens )
The Asturias theme, on request of several studenst. 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. The traditional Flamenco" Malaguena" theme.
PART 3 - Easy Position play and shifts. [grading 2 out of 10]
For 2 guitars.
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).
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. Effective and similar.
17 Outer Space Sounds - unaccompanied ( G. Mertens )
Atmospheric 12 Tone music.
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]
An effective performance piece in the style of Villa-lobos, technically easier, c 4 min.
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Free download for now
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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Scarlatti, Domenico / Sonata A major - Andante cantabile (solo guitar)
K .208 / L.238 [grading 8 out of 10]
Free download
violgui
For arrangements of music for one or more guitars don't hesitate to contact: georgcello@hotmail.com
For music arrangements / tuition contact: georgcello@hotmail.com |
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G U I T A R - T A B S
of Classical Pieces - Tabs with rhythm notation
I wrote this Tab's 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
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
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
Prelude from Cello Suite No I (D major, original G major) BWV 1007 (Tab)
[grading 7 out of 10]
Free download for now
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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