Well actually today it feels like it has finally arrived in south west France. With the first frost and first negative temperatures overnight my thoughts have naturally turned to the festive season.
This arrangement of ‘Winter’ from ‘The Four Seasons’ by Antonio Vivaldi has been sitting on my hard drive since it was first performed in 2019 by myself on ‘cello and Caroline van der Watering on violin, Marc Elysée on viola and Carolina Elysée on double bass.
It’s such fun to play and the best part is that alongside the famous violin solo, everyone gets an upgrade – the 2nd violin part is taken by the viola so lots of lovely high notes, the viola part is given to the ‘cello, so loads of tenor register, and the bass finally breaks free from the ‘cello with its own independent line.
The sound is really full compared with your standard string quartet line up and the feedback from the performances was great. One audience member commented that they had never heard a better version of the piece, just going to show that you don’t need a full orchestra to perform this seasonal staple, simply four talented string players and a great arrangement! Try it for yourself and see!
Available to buy in individual movements as score and parts downloadable pdf from sheet music plus and sheet music direct. The whole set will cost you less than $20 – what are you waiting for?
Alternatively drop me an email and I can mail it to you ($17.50 with a direct PayPal payment).
Have a look at the scores below and do let me know if you perform this arrangement.
Happy Holidays!!
