Derek Hasted's News...

New Arrangement - Chariots Of Fire (Vangelis)

It all started with someone asking me if I'd ever arranged this piece for guitar ensemble. I hadn't, and it was one of those pieces that just didn't seem to want to work, until yesterday when a lightbulb came on and I got the sound I wanted.

You can play this in a quartet - all the top four parts are broadly the same intermediate standard. But you can add the optional fifth line, either on guitar(s), or on a bass-clef instrument and that simple addition makes the sound bigger, smoother and ever more impressive!

• Read more about Chariots of Fire for 4 or 5 guitars here...

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New Arrangement - Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)

It all started when I was walking round the local supermarket before Christmas and this piece come over the shop's loudspeakers. I'd forgotten what a memorable foot-tapper it was. And here's a really accessible version for 4 (or more guitars)!

• Read more about Love Grows for 4 guitars here...

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New Arrangement - Hold My Hand

A few days ago, the BBC News website announced that Jess Glynne's "Hold My Hand" was TikTok's Track of the Year - inspired firstly by its use on the Jet2 Holidays TV Ad, and latterly by TitkTok reels using it behind videos of holiday fails.

So, hot off the press is my arrangement of the original for 4 guitars or large ensemble. It's accessible to intermediate players, but the speed of the original will need slightly more advanced players. The upside is that the sweet sound of the classical guitar means that this piece really works works well at a slightly more modest tempo, where the sound has a chance to breathe.

• Read more about Hold My Hand for 4 guitars here...

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New Arrangement - Paradise Postponed

From the TV Series of the same name, this is exciting to play - with exhilarating key changes, yet withing the grasp of a mixed ability ensemble from early intermediate to intermediate.

• Read more about Paradise Postponed for 4 guitars here...

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New Arrangement - Pure Imagination

From the film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory", this is a very accessible arrangement of a delightful tune that is full of rich and unexpected harmonies.

• Read more about Pure Imagination for 4 guitars here...

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