I was very sad to discover recently that a brilliant arranger for string quartets had died in January 2022. Her name was Lynne Latham, and I came across her arrangements of favourite classical pieces entirely by accident. Our orchestra was having a ‘bring & buy’ book stall (an idea I recommend to other orchestras) and, ever on the lookout for quartet music, I picked up her arrangement for the Bach Double Violin Concerto. I couldn’t believe it was possible to render this satisfactorily with a string quartet, especially without unbalancing the distribution of notes, but when I tried it with one of my quartets, they were all very enthusiastic. The spirit of the piece is miraculously preserved, without overloading the violins.
At the same book sale I had picked up some of the other arrangements, and these have all proved popular with my quartets. None of the parts are too difficult, and everyone gets a good share of the interest.
I have attached an image from the back of the music, showing what’s available. The ones I have are circled. Included are arrangements by other arrangers, but I haven’t tried any of them.
I have looked at arrangements for string quartet by other arrangers, and none of them seem to be able to manage the magic that Lynne Latham has. I may be biased, she was a skilled cellist as well as an arranger.
Her arrangements are available on the internet, to purchase and to download. Unfortunately, the links I have so far are for american websites.
SheetMusicNow for downloads. SheetMusicPlus to buy.
Play String Quartets ! 