Product Description
"Bethena" is a ragtime
waltz composed by Scott Joplin in 1905. With its moderate tempo and beautiful
melodic writing, this arrangement showcases the singing tone and range of the
viola, and is appropriate for both student and professional groups (see playing level notes below). I have shortened the composition by removing several sections from the original piano score, in order to create a simpler, more student-friendly arrangement.
Joplin wrote "Bethena"
shortly after the death of his wife, Freddie, of pneumonia. Bethena's sweet, wistful
melodies seem to recall happy memories from another time.
Duration: approx. 3:15
Playing Level
Viola 4: RCM Level 2, ASTA Level 2, Suzuki early-mid book 2 The
part 4 bowings are simple and the piece is at a moderate tempo. Some use of low
2nd finger, high 3rd finger, and low 1st
finger.
Viola 3: RCM Level 2, ASTA Level 2, Suzuki early-mid book 2. Some
use of low 2nd finger, high 3rd finger, and low 1st
finger. Optional double stops. If the student is not comfortable with
double-stopping, they may play the top line only.
Viola 2: RCM Level 2, ASTA Level 2, Suzuki late book 2. One
passage requiring shift to the 3rd position. Some use of low 2nd
finger, high 3rd finger, and low 1st finger. Repeated
syncopated rhythms.
Viola 1: RCM Level 6, ASTA Level 5, Suzuki Book 4-5. Treble
Clef. Shifts up to the 5th position at a moderate tempo. Extended
passages in 3rd position. Some chromatic passages.
For more viola teaching and playing resources, visit suzukiviolaspot.com or find Suzuki Viola Spot on Facebook.
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.