Arrangements for plucked string orchestra

The first work in this issue, Canzona prima per canto solo by Girolamo Frescobaldi, comes from his collection Primo Libro delle Canzoni The arranger Frank Scheuerle takes the melody part in the 1st mandolin and realizes the continuo with the other parts. As he explains, he dispenses with chords in the guitar part and a double bass part in favor of transparency.

Lachrimae antiquae by John Dowland was probably composed in 1604. Scheuerle's arrangement is based on the version for viol consort, whereby the mandolin, mandola and double bass parts are each based on the viol parts. The guitar is divided into two groups here: The 1st guitar takes the quintus and parts of the lute part and the 2nd guitar takes the remaining lute part. Scheuerle rewrites the piece in 4/4 time, which is certainly an advantage for legibility. The «arco» marking of the double bass is reminiscent of the original instrumentation, whereby the «pizzicato» marking in the last bar takes over part of the lute part, which fits in well with the plucked sound.

The Chaconne Two in one upon a Ground from Henry Purcell's semi-opera Dioclesian was written for two flutes and continuo. Scheuerle places the two melody parts in canon in the two mandolin parts and the basso continuo with an ostinato in the mandola and guitar parts. The continuo is also varied during the piece.

The arranger's decisions in all the arrangements create lightness and show how well suited the plucked string orchestra, with its natural transparency, is to this music. Scheuerle ensures playability, but retains enough respect for the original text to leave room for interpretation by a plucked string orchestra.

Girolamo Frescobaldi, John Dowland, Henry Purcell: Canzona prima, Lachrimae antiquae, Chaconne, arranged for plucked string orchestra by Frank Scheuerle, score, ZO 1115, € 15.00, Pan, Kassel