To view this e-mail as a Web page, click here »

Instruction, Information & Inspiration for Players of Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass & Fiddle | Feb. 5, 2010

Add Romance to Your Repertoire
with Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender”

One of Elvis’ most beloved ballads, “Love Me Tender” is a true classic—it’s based on the Civil War–era tune “Aura Lee” by George Poulton and was first published in 1861. (Ken Darby actually penned the Elvis lyrics, but Presley and Vera Matson received songwriting credits for royalty purposes). The song is the theme to Elvis’ 1956 film debut and a million copies of the single sold before its release thanks to a performance by the rocker on The Ed Sullivan Show.

It’s a perfect ballad for wedding parties and all other romantic occasions.

My arrangement is solidly in the “traditional” vein, so play it with heartfelt sensitivity, a warm tone, and even a bit of schmaltz, if you so desire. The melody moves around the four parts, so don’t let the tempo drag as the instruments trade between the lead and accompaniment roles. Also, dynamics play a big part in this arrangement: be sure to let the melody lead, but bring out the little bits of movement in the inner voices under melodic cadences, as first happens in the second violin in m. 8.

Enjoy this pretty song and the heartfelt sentiment and tears of happiness it is sure to inspire!

By Eric Gorfain

Whether you’re playing a wedding or casual concert, Can’t Help Falling in Love and Love Me Tender: Elvis Presley Love Songs for String Quartet is a must-have for your romantic repertoire. You, your string quartet, and, especially, your audiences will enjoy the arrangements of two beloved Elvis Presley ballads in this edition of Strings Charts.

Order this new title from Strings Charts at Amazon.com.

This week from Strings Daily…

Apply for a College Scholarship from Strings
College-level string players may be eligible to receive $3,000.

Need Help Taming a Troublesome Wolf Tone?
Try a new product that offers a quick, safe, noninvasive way to alter the resonance of an instrument.

The Signifcance of Mendelssohn Violin Concerto on Anne-Sophie Mutter’s Life and Career
Check out her latest recording and compare it to the first.

Finding the Right-size Fractional Instrument Requires a Good Ear for Tone
The trick to searching for a small stringed instrument is finding one with the best possible.

Sign up for the free Strings Daily e-newsletter. Each day you’ll receive a tip from your friends at Strings magazine. Expect guidance on buying and caring for your instrument, career advice, and steps for improving your skills, as well as news about events, your favorite artists, and new products and offerings from Strings. Be alerted to the best deals on subscriptions and gifts, as well as our books and sheet music.

News from the String World

SF Symphony Racks Up 3 Grammys

The San Francisco Symphony and maestro Michael Tilson Thomas emerged the biggest winners in classical music at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. Read More News

Upcoming Events

Check out our calendar for festivals, premieres, competitions, and conferences near you.

FORWARD TO A FRIEND  |  UPDATE PROFILE  |  UNSUBSCRIBE  |  MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS

Copyright © 2010 String Letter Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
You are welcome to forward this e-mail to your friends. Other reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of String Letter Publishing is prohibited. Strings and the respective logos are trademarks of String Letter Publishing.