Debussy, Claude
Debussy arr. Martelli – The Girl With The Flaxen Hair, Préludes Book 1 No. 8 (String Quartet)
Arranged by Carlo Martelli, this exquisite gem, exuding the quintessence of the composers art, is from the first of two books of Debussy's 24 preludes for piano.
Based on an eclogue by the symbolist poet Mallarmé, this famous piece is a seminal work in the evolution and development of European art music. At first glance it would seem not to lend itself to the quartet medium, but nonetheless Carlo Martelli has succeeded brilliantly in distilling the essence of the composition in all its sensuous beauty and languorousness. For conservatories and professionals.
The Passepied is a dance that originated in France and resembles the minuet. This example, arranged by Carlo Martelli from Debussy's Suite Bergamasque, represents a late flowering and highly sophisticated version of the form.
One of Carlo Martelli's many Debussy arrangements executed with characteristic skill. This piece, originally for two pianos, is better known in its version for orchestra by Henri Büsser.
Debussy, Claude
Debussy arr. Martelli – Golliwog’s Cakewalk from Children’s Corner Piano Suite (String Quartet)
This movement from Debussy's Children's Corner piano suite is one of its composers most popular pieces, here skilfully arranged by Carlo Martelli for string quartet.
This charming piece, arranged by Carlo Martelli, captures perfectly the mood one might experience whilst being rowed in beautiful surroundings and listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.
Debussy, Claude
It was in his music for pianoforte that Debussy confided his most personal inspirations. Nonetheless, in the hands of a master like Carlo Martelli they transcribe well to the quartet medium. This tarantella like piece is no exception.
This Cortège is in the manner of a ceremonial procession, rather than a funeral procession with which the term is usually associated. Arranged by Carlo Martelli.
The Pavão Quartet recorded this beautiful arrangement by Carlo Martelli of one of Debussy's best loved pieces on the CD Dreaming, released in 2008 on Discrete Recordings DISC0801 and re-released in 2010 on Discadia Records DISCA001. Included on the same CD are four more of Martelli’s Grieg, Elgar, Beethoven and Dvořák arrangements also published by Broadbent & Dunn.
The final movement of Debussy's ever popular suite, transcribed here by Carlo Martelli from the original piano duet version.
Debussy, Claude
Although not as well known as the first Arabesque, this one is its musical equal in every way, except that it far livelier and jauntier than its predecessor. Arranged by Carlo Martelli.
Debussy, Claude
The exquisite charm of this popular Debussy piano piece is beautifully captured in this superb arrangement by Carlo Martelli.
Another clever arrangement from the pen of the late and celebrated hornist Alan Civil.
Davies, Henry Walford
This rousing march, arranged by Carlo Martelli, was written by the then 'Master of the King's Music' to celebrate the R.A.F. victory over Hitler's Luftwaffe in September 1940. For secondary schools, colleges, conservatories and professionals.
Dacre, Harry
This almost quasi-symphonic arrangement by Carlo Martelli subjects the original simple tune to all manner of subtle harmonies and rhythmic twists and turns.
Collins, Charles
This arrangement of a well-loved cockney song is the oldest of all of Carlo Martelli's many hundreds for this medium, although not the first to be published. The reference to Bizet's toreador has its origins in a private joke between the arranger and one of the original performers. Ideal for concerts, weddings and all occasions, this arrangement was recorded on the CD British Light Music Premieres Vol. 1, released in 2004 by Dutton Epoch CDLX 7147.
Chopin, Frédéric François
Amongst Chopin's many brilliant, virtuosi and completely pianistic pieces are to be found gentler creations suitable for transcription for string quartet, such as the lively but lyrical Valse (Opus 70 No. 3), transposed up a semitone into the friendlier D major by arranger Bill Thorp.
Chopin, Frédéric François
Chopin arr. Thorp – Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 34 No. 2 (String Quartet)
Amongst Chopin's many brilliant, virtuosi and completely pianistic pieces are to be found gentler creations suitable for transcription for string quartet, such as the restrained, introspective and, with its Lento marking and low-lying melodies, possibly ironically termed Grande Valse Brillante. Arranged by Bill Thorp.
Chopin, Frédéric François
Chopin arr. Martelli – Valse, Opus 64 No. 2 (String Quartet)
No composer, either before or since, has been able so successfully to invest the loose and episodic form of the waltz with the poignant emotions of transient joy and wistfulness. This waltz, arranged by Carlo Martelli, is one of the high watermarks of that kind of distinction.
Chopin, Frédéric François
Chopin arr. Martelli – Minute Waltz, Opus 64 No. 1 (String Quartet)
Of Chopin's fourteen waltzes this is probably the best known. Like the other waltzes it has a charm and eloquence that is unparalleled in other music of this kind. Arranged by Carlo Martelli.
Chopin, Frédéric François
Chopin arr. Martelli – Grande Valse Brillante, Opus 18 (String Quartet)
It has been said that arrangements of such quintessentially keyboard music as Chopin's are always to be deplored. Notwithstanding, Carlo Martelli has chanced his arm in this, the first of the composers fourteen waltzes.
Chabrier, Emmanuel
Chabrier arr. Martelli – Idylle from Suite Pastorale (String Quartet)
This exquisitely charming piece is part of Chabrier's Suite Pastorale, originally written for pianoforte and here expertly transcribed for string quartet by Carlo Martelli.
Chabrier, Emmanuel
Chabrier's short but astonishingly brilliant orchestral works, of which España is one, are among the best light music ever written. This arrangement by Carlo Martelli for string quartet captures perfectly the virtuosic nature of the original score.
This sprightly piece, arranged by Carlo Martelli, is from Chabrier's Suite Pastorale, originally composed for the pianoforte and later transcribed for orchestra by the composer.
The four volumes of Steingold Graded Pieces for piano were originally written as a teaching aid, and also for the enjoyment of piano students. Each volume introduces a number of musical styles, from classical to modern, folk to jazz. All the pieces are colourful and imaginative, and every page offers new surprises. The books are a musical treasure chest into which pianists from beginners to advanced level might dip and find a variety of items, from the stillness of a solo meditation to the fireworks of a party piece! Because they were written as a teaching aid they also present the pianist with practice and preparation in the technical and musical aspects required for the Associated Boards of the Royal School of Music Examinations from Grade 1 through to Grade 8. The first three pieces of this fourth volume were included in the London College of Music exam syllabus from 1998 to 2009 for grade 7, while the last four pieces were included for grade 8.
The four volumes of Steingold Graded Pieces for piano were originally written as a teaching aid, and also for the enjoyment of piano students. Each volume introduces a number of musical styles, from classical to modern, folk to jazz. All the pieces are colourful and imaginative, and every page offers new surprises. The books are a musical treasure chest into which pianists from beginners to advanced level might dip and find a variety of items, from the stillness of a solo meditation to the fireworks of a party piece! Because they were written as a teaching aid they also present the pianist with practice and preparation in the technical and musical aspects required for the Associated Boards of the Royal School of Music Examinations from Grade 1 through to Grade 8. The first four pieces of this third volume were included in the London College of Music exam syllabus from 1998 to 2009 for grade 5, while the last three pieces were included for grade 6.
The four volumes of Steingold Graded Pieces for piano were originally written as a teaching aid, and also for the enjoyment of piano students. Each volume introduces a number of musical styles, from classical to modern, folk to jazz. All the pieces are colourful and imaginative, and every page offers new surprises. The books are a musical treasure chest into which pianists from beginners to advanced level might dip and find a variety of items, from the stillness of a solo meditation to the fireworks of a party piece! Because they were written as a teaching aid they also present the pianist with practice and preparation in the technical and musical aspects required for the Associated Boards of the Royal School of Music Examinations from Grade 1 through to Grade 8. The first three pieces of this second volume were included in the London College of Music exam syllabus from 1998 to 2009 for grade 3, while the last three pieces were included for grade 4.
The four volumes of Steingold Graded Pieces for piano were originally written as a teaching aid, and also for the enjoyment of piano students. Each volume introduces a number of musical styles, from classical to modern, folk to jazz. All the pieces are colourful and imaginative, and every page offers new surprises. The books are a musical treasure chest into which pianists from beginners to advanced level might dip and find a variety of items, from the stillness of a solo meditation to the fireworks of a party piece! Because they were written as a teaching aid they also present the pianist with practice and preparation in the technical and musical aspects required for the Associated Boards of the Royal School of Music Examinations from Grade 1 through to Grade 8. The first four pieces of this first volume were included in the London College of Music exam syllabus from 1998 to 2009 for grade 1, while the last four pieces were included for grade 2.
Two Violins and Viola
Carlo Martelli, the composer of this charming chef d'oeuvre, is himself a viola player and was inspired to compose the piece after playing through Dvorak's Terzetto for the same combination of instruments. For conservatories and professionals.
The Pavão Quartet recorded this work in August 2012 on the CD Carlo Martelli, released in October 2013 by Discadia Records, DISCA 002. Included on the same CD, and also published by Broadbent & Dunn, are Martelli’s String Quartet No. 1, String Quartet No. 2 and Prelude and Fugue for String Sextet.
String Quartet
This quartet was written in 1954 when the composer, Carlo Martelli, was a 19 year old student at the Royal College of Music. This publication is of a recent revision of the work. There are three distinct sets of ideas in the first movement which are freely developed, although vestiges of sonata form can be discerned. The second movement is a scherzo and trio, which is joined without a break to the slow third movement - an interesting feature of this conjunction, is that at the close of the slow movement ideas from the trio and then the scherzo return to round things off. The last movement is a succession of free variations on a theme in which the interval of a fourth predominates. For conservatories and professionals.
The Pavão Quartet recorded this work in August 2012 on the CD Carlo Martelli, released in October 2013 by Discadia Records, DISCA 002. Included on the same CD, and also published by Broadbent & Dunn, are Martelli’s String Quartet No. 1, Prelude and Fugue for String Sextet Terzetto for Two Violins and Viola.