Plainsong Variations

Plainsong Variations is an exciting original work for guitar ensemble in four parts. As the title indicates, it is loosely patterned after the plainsong chants of the Gregorian era; however, the chant section is not borrowed from history. It is an intermediate level piece that can easily be attained by students who have had a year of instruction.

It is in the Dorian mode with a tonal center on E. The key signature has 2 sharps. Most of the melodic parts should be played in 2nd position. Students will also need to know how to play standard Em, A, D, and G chords.

The most exciting part of the piece is the inclusion of some "creative" percussive elements such as tapping the stand with a guitar pick and hitting the body of the guitar in different places.

This piece does have a singing section, so make sure your group is willing to sing out before you go live with this one.

The PDF includes a conductor's score as well as all of the student parts. The original purchaser will have license to print/copy parts for up to 30 performers. Sharing or copying digitally is strictly prohibited.