Corelli's Christmas Concerto (Op 6 No 8) arranged for 3 guitars (or a large ensemble) by Various Large Ensemble - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1267990

Corelli's Christmas Concerto (Op 6 No 8) - for 3 Guitars

For Classical or Acoustic Guitar - sometimes it's erroneously listed here as Electric Guitar.

Derek Hasted writes "Arcangelo Corelli’s Op 6 No 8 “Christmas Concerto” was scored for 3 solo strings, an accompanying string ensemble in 4 parts and a keyboard continuo.

The three solo parts together make a fantastic concert item for a trio or large ensemble, and the wonderful use of suspensions makes an almost choral sound when played on guitar.

I have changed the key from G Minor to A minor. As well as making the piece naturally comfortable on guitar, it means that bottom notes of Guitar 3 (which is tuned to ⑥=D) match the bottom notes on original ’cello part.

I’ve based my transcription on the Augener score (which has few dynamics), and I’ve left the choice of fingering to the players - an experienced trio can play much of the music up the neck, whereas a less experienced trio will find much can be played in first position. Because the sustain of the original strings cannot be matched on the guitar, you might like to experiment with your own choice of volume and tone variations to make the music come alive for your ensemble. For the same reason you’ll find the tempo that works for you and the guitar.

I‘ve published separately a slightly easier transcription of the “Adagio”, which is probably the most famous movement, also for 3 guitars.
You will be able to find it on my website (see below).


I hope you enjoy playing this arrangement!"

This is one of a large and growing range of accessible ensembles from experienced arranger Derek Hasted, and is supplied as full score and parts. Derek's website at www.derek-hasted.co.uk/smp lists all his arrangements by title and by "number of instruments", with links to soundclips and sample score.