STRING ARRANGEMENTS
by Deborah Greenblatt

-- BOOKS --


Danseyre by Tielman Susato
  for Violin, Violin, Viola, and Cello
Score: $ 8.00
Parts: $ 20.00
“Suitable for intermediate-level groups.”
- American String Teacher, 1998

This spiral-bound collection features 57 light-hearted dance tunes from the Renaissance. Includes gaillards, pavanes, allemaingnes, bergerettes, etc.

Bergerette: Dont vient cela, Bergerette: Sans roch, Reprise: C'est une dure des partie, Bergerette, La morisque, Bergerette: Les grands douleurs, Entre du fol, Danse du Roy, Reprise: Le joly boys, Basse danse: Mon desir, Reprise: Le cueur est bon, Reprise: C'est a grant tort, Ronde I: Pour quoy, Ronde II: Mon amy, Ronde III, Ronde IV, Ronde V, Ronde VI, Ronde VII: Il estoit une fillette, Ronde VIII: Mille ducas en vostre bource, Ronde IX, Salterelle, Les quatre Branles, Fagot, Den hoboecken dans, De Post, Danse de Hercules oft maticine, De Matrigale, Allemaingne I, Allemaingne II, Allemaingne III, Allemaingne IV, Allemaingne V, Allemaingne VI, Allemaingne VII, Allemaingne VIII, Pavane I: Mille regretz, Pavane II: La dona, Pavane III: Mille ducas, Pavane IV: Si par souffrir, Pavane V: La Battaille, Passe et medio, Gaillarde I, Gaillarde II, Gaillarde III, Gaillarde IV, Gaillarde V: Ghequest bin ick, Gaillarde VI, Gaillarde VII, Gaillarde VIII: La dona, Gaillarde IX, Gaillarde X: Mille ducas, Gaillarde XI, Gaillarde XII, Gaillarde XIII, Gaillarde XIV, Gaillarde XV: Le tout
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Irish String Quartet Collection
  for Violin, Violin, Viola, and Cello
Score: $ 13.00
Parts: $ 30.00
“..the tune moves around to each player and none of the arrangements are difficult, most are in 1st position with a few passages requiring 2nd or 3rd position. With a little practise you could be ‘Lord of the Strings’. Highly recommended.”
- Dr. Vidulich, President,
Australian & New Zealand Viola Society Journal, September 2000

“This collection shows considerable attention to detail...These deserve to find their way to all the string quartets who perform non-classical music. The treasure trove of great Irish tunes is wide and deep, and many a popular chestnut is here. They are designed with the advanced player in mind both in the difficulty of execution and in the ensemble writing, although I could imagine a solid intermediate player having a go at them. Brava!”
- Hollis Taylor
Fiddler Magazine

Over 30 minutes of traditional Irish tunes. Includes program notes! Additional part books are $6.00 each.

G&S Jig Medley, 1 (“If You Wanna Play With the Turfmen”, “Running Aground”, “Economizing)
G&S Jig Medley, 2 (“Blow Harmonica Blow”, “Crossing Great Glen”, “Thingama Jig”)
Irish Medley, No. 1 (“Rights of Man”, “Down Went McGinty to the Bottom of the Sea”, “Banish Misfortune”, “Irish Washerwoman”)
Irish Medley, No. 2 (“Dark Haired Lass”, “Rose Tree”, “St. Anne’s Reel”, “Tater Patch”, “The Miller”)
Irish Medley, No. 3 (“Repeal of the Union”, “Jack Mitchell’s Polka”, “Smash the Windows”, “Whiskey Before Breakfast”)
Irish Medley, No. 4 (“Crabs in the Skillet”, “Larry O’Gaff”, “Haste to the Wedding”, “Brian’s March”)
Londonderry Air
O’Carolan Medley, No. 1 (“Young Terence McDonough”, “Beauty in Tears”, “Planxty John Irwin”, “Si Bheag Si Mhor”)
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Irish String Quartet Collection - Violin III Part Book Book: $ 8.00
This Violin III Part Book doubles the viola part, with a few octave changes when necessary.

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Jewish String Quartet Collection
  for Violin, Violin, Viola, and Cello
Score: $ 12.00
Parts: $ 27.00
“Although not techniclly difficult, this collection presents a few more challenges for the player used to playing primarily in major keys. One needs to be ‘on their toes’ for many of the runs and the unusual intervals. Highly recommended.”
- Dr. Vidulich, President,
Australian & New Zealand Viola Society Journal, September 2000

“Best-suited for late intermediate and advanced players---the first violinist must feel comfortable in sixth position and all players must be able to hold their own rhythmically---this is a good starting point for some fun with klezmer ideas...great fun...”
- Hollis Taylor
Fiddler Magazine

This collection features traditional Jewish and Yiddish folk songs, wedding music, as well as some original Greenblatt & Seay melodies in the Klezmer style, suitable for weddings, parties, and dances.

G&S Klezmer Medley (“Beepin’ Faces”, “Farmer Francis”, “Somebodies Wives”), “Hava Nagila”, “Hine Ma Tov”, “I Just Adore a Hora”, Medley No. 1 (“Bim Bom”, “Haida Haida”, “Araber Tantz”, “Zemir Atik”), Medley No. 2 (“Achshav”, “Mayim”, “Yesh Lanu Tayish”, “Frailach”, “Od Yishama”, “Kum Bachur Atzel”), Medley No. 3 (“Debka”, “Der Shtiler Bulgar”, “Od Yishama”), “Miserlou”, “Noah Doesn’t Know-A”, “Siman Tov”/“Mazel Tov”, “Tantst Tantst Yidelekh”
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Polka String Quartets
  for Violin, Violin, Viola, and Cello
Score: $ 7.50
Parts: $ 20.00
“They are suitable for solid intermediate players and beyond. The bowings are good, the arrangements are varied, and one even finds dynamics...even a small string orchestra could make use of these fine arrangements by having more than one player per part.”
- Hollis Taylor
Fiddler Magazine

“The level is about Grade Four...all the players get a chance to play the tune...All the polkas are enjoyable, but my favourite is the ’Clarinet Polka’ (’Grandfather’s Polka’). Highly recommended.”
- Michael Vidulich, President,
The Australian and New Zealand Viola Society

Each spiral-bound collection contains some well-known polkas, as well as tunes from the Ukraine, Sweden, Ireland, Poland, and Nebraska.

“Avoca Polka”, “Chihuahua”, “Clarinet Polka”, “Kalle Pe”/“Grashoppornas”, “Laughing Polka”, Medley No. 1 (“Ebba Polka”,“Play or Give Back the Money”), Medley No. 2 (“Dennis Murphey’s Polka”,“Jenny Lind Polka”,“John Ryan’s Polka”,“Jack Mitchell’s Polka”,“On Two Feet Polka”)
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Polka String Trios
  for Violin, Viola, Cello
Score: $ 7.50
Parts: $ 15.00
“They are suitable for solid intermediate players and beyond. The bowings are good, the arrangements are varied, and one even finds dynamics...even a small string orchestra could make use of these fine arrangements by having more than one player per part.”
- Hollis Taylor
Fiddler Magazine

“The level is about Grade Four...all the players get a chance to play the tune...All the polkas are enjoyable, but my favourite is the ’Clarinet Polka’ (’Grandfather’s Polka’). Highly recommended.”
- Michael Vidulich, President,
The Australian and New Zealand Viola Society

Each spiral-bound collection contains some well-known polkas, as well as tunes from the Ukraine, Sweden, Ireland, Poland, and Nebraska.

“Avoca Polka”, “Chihuahua”, “Clarinet Polka”, “Kalle Pe”/“Grashoppornas”, “Laughing Polka”, Medley No. 1 (“Ebba Polka”,“Play or Give Back the Money”), Medley No. 2 (“Dennis Murphey’s Polka”,“Jenny Lind Polka”,“John Ryan’s Polka”,“Jack Mitchell’s Polka”,“On Two Feet Polka”)
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String Quartet Collection
  for Violin, Violin, Viola, and Cello
Parts: $ 20.00
“Banana Boy”, “Bransles de Champaigne”, “Day Dawn”, “Hoedown Medley No. 1”, “In These Delightful, Pleasant Groves”, “Irish Medley No. 1”, “Matona, Lovely Maiden”, “Mom Said”, “On My Roof”, “Play, or Give Back the Money”, “Robber Bandits”, “Sing We and Chant It”, “So Well I Know Who’s Happy”
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Swedish String Quartet Collection
  for Violin, Violin, Viola, and Cello
Score: $ 10.00
Parts: $ 22.00
“...wonderful pieces ...excellently arranged ...Highly recommended.”
- Dr. Vidulich, President,
Australian & New Zealand Viola Society Journal, September 2000

“Not only do the original folk melodies have a freshness, but the scoring
does as well; the melody frequently moves out of the first violin part and into
the other three instrument parts. Both the individual parts and the full score
are clean, computer-generated copies with good page turns. This collection is playable by high school students and will provide a delightful contrast to the standard Classical repertoire.”

- Rodney Mueller, American String Teacher, May 2000

This collection features light-hearted and pensive dance tunes from Sweden. These elegant and joyous pieces are suitable for intermediate level groups, and provide a charming change of pace for the professional as well.

“Tamankyllen”/“Skaneland”, “Schottishe Medley”, “Polska from Sweden”, “Waltz Medley”, “Mazurka Medley”, “Branninnsolang”, “Slangpolska Medley”, “Kalle Pe”/“Grashoppornas”
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Tango String Quartet Collection
  for Violin, Violin, Viola, and Cello
Score: $ 12.00
Parts: $ 27.00
“...arranged with her usual attention to detail...Rhythm has always been the life of the party, and she understands this. Her arrangements work for this very reason. Suitable for intermediate players...”
- Hollis Taylor
Fiddler Magazine

“...All the tangos spread the melody around the 4 players and offer excellent accompaniment patterns throughout. Position work is required for all the players and the level of the tangos is Grades 5 and 6. Deborah Greenblatt has captured the Latin American dance feel in all the tangos...exciting pieces...Recommended for advanced players (Grade 5 or better).”
- Michael Vidulich, President,
The Australian and New Zealand Viola Society

“...melodic and interesting, and the words, though no rival to W.S. Gilbert, are clever and amusing. The presentation is very professional--well laid out, spiral bound volumes, with convenient page turns and clear notation. If you are looking for a big change from Haydn and Beethoven for your quartet and have a flair for the theatrical, this original material may well be for you.”
- Baird Knechtel,
Canadian Viola Society Newsletter

Here’s your chance to enjoy these seven original Greenblatt & Seay creations. All but one have optional lyrics, for you brave quartets, to serenade your well-behaved audiences in grand style. There are also a couple of opportunities for improvisation in the Violin 1 and Violin 2 parts. Program notes about each Tango should help to explain the unexplainable.

“Acapella in Alcapulco”, “Always Listening”, “Banana Boy”, “Bar 5”, “Fixin’ The Furnace”, “Lines and Spaces”, “Quack Off”
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The Water Music by George Frideric Handel
  for Violin, Violin, Viola, and Cello
Score: $ 30.00
Parts: $ 40.00
“It is no small feat to distill the full score down to a version for string quartet
and still maintain the feel of the original, but Greenblatt has successfully done so... easy-to-read score and parts... faithful to the original... tasteful...
It is great fun to play...”

- Strings Magazine,
September/October 1998

“Horn Suite in F”, “Trumpet Suite in D”, “Flute Suite in G”
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Water Music by George Frideric Handel, The - Violin III Part Book Book: $ 10.00
This Violin III Part Book doubles the viola part, with a few octave changes when necessary.

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Alexander’s Feast by George Frideric Handel
  for String Quartet or String Quintet or String Orchestra
Score and Parts: $ 25.00
“This intermediate level arrangement of Handel’s lovely but not often played Alexander’s Feast is a most welcome addition to the limited baroque pieces for string quartet. All four movements have been excellently arranged for string quartet with interesting lines for all players. The violinists and violist need to be secure in the passages requiring 2nd and 3rd positions and the cellist is required to go up to A above open A in the Largo movement. The optional bass part follows the cello line and requires an advanced player. A less experienced bassist might wish to take a few passages down the octave or omit the high sections that double the cello in unison. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED”
- Dr. Michael Vidulich
Australian & New Zealand Viola Society Journal, April 2005

This piece is a musical delight for a quartet (violin 1, violin 2, viola, and cello), or as a quintet (with bass), or string orchestra. The score is spiral-bound, Parts are camera ready. Purchase includes permission for the buyer to photocopy parts for their own students or string orchestra.

Score and Parts: 

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Fairy Queen by Henry Purcell
  for String Quartet or String Quintet or String Orchestra
Score: $ 9.00
Parts: $ 25.00
“Another excellent and welcome arrangement by Ms Greenblatt. This selection includes 24 pieces and can be played in full as a suite of items or as a smaller work, selecting individual pieces. All parts are of grade 3 level and can be played by intermediate students or amateurs or of course professionals. It is quite possible to add voices to this arrangement and perform as a stage or operatic performance. If you are not familiar with this famous work by Purcell, you will be in for a pleasant surprise. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED”
- Dr. Michael Vidulich
Australian & New Zealand Viola Society Journal, April, 2005

“...very well arranged by Deborah Greenblatt.... appropriate for grade 3 to grade 6 (RCM). The music is clear, and easy to read. All of the parts are well written and interesting. This collection delighted me on all levels.Ê The quality of this collection inspired me to discover the other arrangements of Ms. Greenblatt.Ê I reccommend Ragtime String Collection, Lumbye String Collection, The Water Music by G.F. Handel, and Irish String Quartet Collection.Ê These collections are appropriate for intermediate students, advanced studets, and is also useful for professionals for receptions, and other similar engagements.Ê In conclusion, I have uncovered some very good arrangements, varied, stimulating, interesting pieces, which will enchant students of all levels.”
- Brigitte Amyot
Canadian Viola Society Newsletter, Spring, 2005”

This collection includes the instrumental pieces from Henry Purcell’s 1692 opera, The Fairy Queen, which is an adaption of Shakespeare’s play, “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. It can be played as a quartet (violin 1, violin 2, viola, and cello) or as a quintet (with bass). It is also suitable for string orchestra. Additional part books are $6.00 each.

“First Music, Prelude”, “Hornpipe”, “Second Music, Air”, “Rondeau”, “Act I, Overture”, “First Act Tune, Jig”, “Dance for the Followers of Night”, “Second Act Tune, Air”, “Overture, Symphony While the Swans Come Forward”, “Dance for the Fairies”, “Dance for the Green Men”, “Dance for the Haymakers”, “Third Act Tune, Hornpipe”, “Act IV, Symphony”, “Entry of Phoebus”, “Fourth Act Tune, Air”, “Act V, Prelude”, “Entry Dance”, “Symphony”, “Monkey’s Dance”, “Prelude”, “Chaconne, Dance for Chinese Man and Woman”, “Appendix III, Entry Dance”, “Appendix IV, Air”
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Fairy Queen by Henry Purcell - Violin III Part Book Book: $ 6.00
This Violin III Part Book doubles the viola part, with a few octave changes when necessary.

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Lumbye String Collection
  for String Quartet or String Quintet or String Orchestra
Score: $ 9.00
Parts: $ 25.00
“This collection of waltzes, galops, marches, polkas, etc. is similar in style to those by Johann Strauss, and are of the highest quality. The dances have been excellently scored for strings by Deborah Greenblatt, with the melody spread around the different parts. The pieces are all delightful and very melodic. Players need to be of at least intermediate level and the 1st violinist--advanced level. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”
- Dr. Michael Vidulich, President,
The Australian and New Zealand Viola Society Journal, February, 2004

“( Grades 5 - 6) If you need something refreshing for your string quartet or quintet (with bass), you may want to consider the Lumbye String Collection. ...these dance tunes have been skillfully arranged by Greenblatt. ...great for an advanced school ensemble or a professional group. All of the parts are interesting and will provide excellent material for concerts or for background, reception entertainment. All players get turns at the enticing rhythm patterns. Meter signatures and tempi are varied, including 2/4, 3/4, 6/8, and 3/8. The dances in this collection would need some rehearsing, but the results would definitely be worth the effort.”
- Patricia Cox,
American String Teacher

“The total playing time of the collection is about 1 1/2 hours, if one observes most of the repeats. Some of the shorter pieces, such as the Anna Mazurka and Auctions Galop, have some surprisingly dramatic sections, contrasting nicely with more lyrical sections. This effective use of lyricism contrasting with more lively rhythms is found in some of the waltzes as well, notably the Christa Walzer. The music is suitable for intermediate to advanced players. There is a variety of rhythms, including some syncopation, accidentals sprinkled here and there, and some rather fat runs and arpeggios for all the voices. This is good music for gigs or concverts with a focus on easy listening, light classical music. The music is tuneful, with catchy rhythms. Unlike most of the Strauss waltz arrangements that this reviewer has played, all the voices in these arrangements contribute to the melody line...it does make for quite satisfying playing for all the players. The violist at this reading clearly enjoyed having a solo in every piece instead of merely supplying “rest, 2, 3” accompaniment in each bar! To entice your group to play this music, one can mention that the second violin regularly plays the “first” part, with the first violin accompanying. There are often duets between two of the voices, and as solos go, even the double bass player had her moments!”
- J. Viljoen,
Canadian Viola Society Newsletter

19th century composer, Hans Christian Lumbye, is known internationally as the leading Danish composer of dance music. This string ensemble collection includes waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, galops, and a quadrille. It can be played as a quartet with violin 1, violin 2, viola, and cello or as a quintet with bass. It is also suitable for string orchestra. Additional part books are $6.00 each.

“Agnes Polka ”, “Alice Polka ”, “Anna Mazurka ”, “Auctions Galop ”, “Blanca Walzer ”, “Brude Vals ”, “Champagner Galopp ”, “Christa Walzer ”, “David Polka ”, “Deborah Mazurka ”, “Donau Blumen Quadrille ”
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Lumbye String Collection - Violin III Part Book
  for String Quartet or String Quintet or String Orchestra
Book: $ 6.00
This Violin III Part Book doubles the viola part, with a few octave changes when necessary.

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Overtures for Strings
  for String Quartet or String Quintet or String Orchestra
Score: $ 9.00
Parts: $ 25.00
“These are tasteful and enjoyable arrangements that are every bit as challenging (particularly for the upper strings) as the originals. While not material for grade-school orchestras, these arrangements might be just right for advanced high-school string groups or professionals looking for demanding gig material. They work very well as string quartets--as my colleagues at Boston Baroque can attest--and I would imagine that a bass would enhance the experience. The parts are handily spiral-bound and contain copious bar-numbers...quite user-friendly. Nice arrangements of great works. Check them out!”
- Sarah Freiberg,
Strings Magazine, February, 2006

This string ensemble collection is perfect for the advanced string quartet with symphonic tastes. Each overture has been arranged so that everybody gets the chance to show off, as well as play classic excerpts. They can be played as a quartet with violin 1, violin 2, viola, and cello or as a quintet with bass. It is also suitable for string orchestra. Additional part books are available for $6.00 each.

“Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture” by F. Mendelssohn, “Marriage of Figaro Overture” by W.A. Mozart, “William Tell Overture” by G. Rossini
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Practice, Practice, Practice
  for String Quartet or String Quintet or String Orchestra
Score and Parts: $ 25.00
“Yesterday was the first day for students to sign up for orchestra. As I was visiting about expectations, I stressed the importance of practice, etc. No sooner had I said the word practice, then 7 little fifth graders began singing “Practice, practice, practice.....” and not a word was forgotten.”
- Carol Ellenwood, Kearney, Nebraska Public Schools

“...a delightful ditty...”
- Baird Knechtel,
Canadian Viola Society Newsletter

“This piece is suitable for students in their second year of string playing.”
- Hollis Taylor,
Fiddler Magazine, Winter 2004/05

This four minute arrangement of an original Deborah Greenblatt tune was commissioned by the String Project at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Musicians are required to sing as well as play the haunting true story of a musician at play. ("Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice to improve; Practice, Practice, Practice, till I’m in the groove..."). This delightful piece can be played as a quartet with violin 1, violin 2, viola, and cello or as a quintet with bass. It works great for string orchestra, especially at concerts. The score is spiral-bound, Parts are camera ready. Purchase includes permission for the buyer to photocopy parts for their own students.
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Ragtime String Collection
  for String Quartet or String Quintet or String Orchestra
Score: $ 8.00
Parts: $ 25.00
“This collection of 11 rags by a variety of composers including Scott Joplin (Rag-Time Dance) is a welcome addition for string players. Again Ms. Greenblatt has arranged all the rags so everyone has a turn at the melody. Solid intermediate level playing is required to master the syncopated melodies and the 1st violin requires high position playing (3rd to 5th positions). Your string group will enjoy this collection. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”
- Dr. Michael Vidulich, President,
The Australian and New Zealand Viola Society Journal, February, 2004

Enjoy these 11 rags, arranged so that everyone gets a chance to play interesting licks! Program Notes in the back give some insight about the tunes, and explains some of the jokes some of the time. This string ensemble collection can be played as a quartet with violin 1, violin 2, viola, and cello or as a quintet with bass. It is also suitable for string orchestra. Additional part books are $6.00 each.

“Beaumont Rag”, “Black & White Rag”, “Chatterbox Rag”, “Cotton Patch Rag”, “Dallas Bound”, “Dill Pickles”, “House Rent Rag”, “Pig Ankle Rag”, “Rag-Time Dance”, “Tanglefoot Rag”, “Three-in-One Two-Step”

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Ragtime String Collection - Violin III Part Book Book: $ 6.00
This Violin III Part Book doubles the viola part, with a few octave changes when necessary.

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