Robert Burns Suite for String Quartet

Robert Burns Suite for String Quartet by Hugh Levey

This four movement work is based on the well-known Burns’ songs;

1: My Love She’s But a Lassie Yet (Lady Badinscoth’s Reel)

2: Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon (The Caledonian Hunt’s Delight)

3: The Deil’s Awa’ wi’ the Exciseman

4: Auld Lang Syne (for recital or to accompany singing)

The movements can be played separately but are presented here as a suite, with a suggested order. Movement 1 begins with a stately ‘classical’ arrangement of My Love She’s But a Lassie Yet, but as it develops the tune combines with another traditional melody, followed by some operatic quotations, and a fugue. It ends with an embellished restatement of the opening.

Movement 2 opens with gentle chords that accompany the simple yet beautiful melody of Ye Banks and Braes. In the middle section, the cello takes the lead with 2nd violin playing a counter melody. They are joined by the viola and 1st violin playing the same two musical lines in canon with them. The first violin resumes the melody in verse 3 with slightly altered chordal accompaniment.

Movement 3 begins with 1st violin and the cello playing the tune and bass line, almost exactly as they appeared in The Scots Musical Museum, published by James Johnson & Co between 1787 and 1803. The other instruments all get the opportunity to play the melodic line in the ensuing 5 verses, as the arrangement gets more complex and fun. The composer makes great use of the tritone; or "devil’s interval" as it is often known because of its unsettling presence. However, in this arrangement it merely adds to the fun and excitement.

Movement 4 is a simple arrangement of Auld Lang Syne, in a key that is suitable to accompany solo or community singing. After a short introduction by the viola, the violins play verse one accompanied by ‘bagpipe’ drones from the other two players. The final verse is in majestic four part harmony to bring a rousing end to this popular Burns song and the suite.

Duration: 9’ to 10’