Cello Expressions

Amazing Grace

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Last modified: March 14, 2023

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Amazing Grace is a well-known traditional song, hymn, and folk tune, also known as New Britain. This arrangement for four-part cello ensemble works well with groups of four to twelve cellists of intermediate to advanced-intermediate ability. All four parts play the melody and variegated accompaniments leveraging a broad range of cello techniques.

A single bowing cellist makes the opening statement with sparse pizzicato accompaniments. Two parts bow the second verse in harmony over bidirectionally-denser pizzicato chords. High harmonics overlay the third verse, alongside another statement of bowed melody with harmony. Note that the indicated harmonic positions and octaves intentionally calibrate the octave, tone, and volume of this accompaniment.

The fourth verse transitions to C major for a contrapuntal, syncopated blend across the four parts. The fifth verse triumphantly emerges with an upper-octave C major melody and rolled chords in the upper parts, echoed by a baseline offset by one beat and a canon line offset two measures. The sixth verse is in four-part canon at the measure, with each octave of melody in primary and echoed parts.

The music relaxes back into G major as all parts finally come together for two final statements in simple harmony. The tempo relaxes along with the style for emphasis. Open strings may be used through this arrangement to present a spacious, ephemeral sound.

Download Score Download Parts

Last modified: March 14, 2023

By downloading this music, you agree to the Terms & Conditions.

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