Royal Wind Music - Guitar Quartet

Not much is known about the British composer John Adson, who died in 1640, but this piece has a glorious melody underpinned with interwoven passages shared amongst all the players.

The piece is broadly in 2/2 time with a majestic 2-in-a-bar feel. But in two places the music changes to 3-time, and across the transition, it is the crotchet (quarter note) that has the same pace.

There is minimal fingering, but my suggestion is that the top line stays in IX position, extending the hand to reach the F# on fret 14 where needed, rather than trying to play entirely on the body of the guitar. The extra comfort also comes with better sustain than venturing too high.

I have placed some suggested dynamics on the music, and in places where the volume drops I have removed the deepest bass notes, so that the contrast is more noticeable.

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