Arrangements for Strings

Two Early American Carols
I Wonder as I Wander(Tune: Appalachian Carol)
We Three Kings (Tune: Kings of Orient)
Arranged by Evan Becker

As in the first and second sets of "Two Early American Hymns," the arranger has devised a large amount of harmonic and rhythmic vitality from two well-known tunes. In both movements, the carol tunes appear in surprising places and ranges, moving from one instrument to another amid intriguing rhythmic figures. Either one separately or both together as a suite are useful for quiet times in the worship service or for program occasions. This arrangement is challenging, but will be appreciated by advanced high school and church instrumentalists, as well as by those in university-level ensembles.

This arrangement is for a string quartet of I & II Violins, Viola and Cello. Alternate parts are included for another Viola, another Cello, I-III Clarinets and F Horn. Flutes could play the I Violin part, and Oboes could play the II Violin part. However, due to the wide range and difficulty of these string parts, woodwind instruments should be considered as providing the possibility of a substitue for a missing string instrument or as doublings for larger ensembles, rather than to be used as an alternate woodwind quartet. The difficulty level is 4+.

Full set includes a Full Score, transposed parts for all the instruments mentioned above, and suggestions for performance.