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23044820
George Alexander MACFARREN | 7 Shakespeare Songs | for String Quartet (Optional Quintet)
23044820
23044820

George Alexander MACFARREN | 7 Shakespeare Songs | for String Quartet (Optional Quintet) String Quartet - Digital Sheet Music

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George Alexander MACFARREN | 7 Shakespeare Songs | for String Quartet (Optional Quintet) String Quartet - Digital Sheet Music
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String Quartet Cello, Double Bass, String Bass, Viola, Violin - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1632792

By George Alexander Macfarren. Composed by George Alexander Macfarren. Arranged by Andrew Lamb. This edition: audio, pdf, streaming. 19th Century, Romantic Period. 114 pages. Andrew Lamb #1201145. Published by Andrew Lamb (A0.1632792).

String Quartet/Quintet Arrangement of 7 Shakespeare Songs by George Alexander Macfarren


This elegant arrangement brings George Alexander Macfarren’s 7 Shakespeare Songs to life for a string quartet or quintet, offering a fresh interpretation of these Romantic-era choral works. Scored for the following instruments:
  • Violin 1
  • Violin 2
  • Viola
  • Violoncello
  • Contrabass (optional for quintet)



The arrangement retains the lyrical beauty and expressive depth of Macfarren’s original settings while adapting them seamlessly for strings. Each movement captures the essence of Shakespeare’s poetry, from the pastoral charm of "When icicles hang by the wall" to the melancholic grace of "Blow, blow thou winter wind."

Level of Difficulty: Medium

This arrangement is accessible to intermediate-level ensembles, with idiomatic writing that highlights the strengths of each instrument. The contrapuntal textures and rich harmonies make it an engaging piece for performers and audiences alike.

Potential Uses:

  • A standout concert piece for chamber ensembles
  • A refined addition to a Shakespeare-themed program


About the Composer:
Sir George Alexander Macfarren (1813–1887) was a prominent English composer and musicologist of the Romantic period. Despite losing his eyesight in 1860, he continued composing with the help of an amanuensis, leaving behind a significant body of work. Knighted in 1883, Macfarren was celebrated for his dedication to music and his contributions to English art song. His 7 Shakespeare Songs (published 1851–1864) remain a testament to his skill in setting Shakespeare’s texts with expressive nuance.

This arrangement offers string players a chance to explore Macfarren’s underappreciated music in a new and captivating format.

This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard’s global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.

About Digital Downloads

Digital Downloads are downloadable sheet music files that can be viewed directly on your computer, tablet or mobile device. Once you download your digital sheet music, you can view and print it at home, school, or anywhere you want to make music, and you don’t have to be connected to the internet. Just purchase, download and play!

PLEASE NOTE: Your Digital Download will have a watermark at the bottom of each page that will include your name, purchase date and number of copies purchased. You are only authorized to print the number of copies that you have purchased. You may not digitally distribute or print more copies than purchased for use (i.e., you may not print or digitally distribute individual copies to friends or students).

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