Jules Benedict | Old May Day | String Quartet

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Celebrate the joy and colour of spring with this expressive String Quartet arrangement of Old May-Day by Sir Julius Benedict. First published in 1862 and later included in Novello’s Part-Song Book, this charming work sets verses by Elizabethan poets Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher.

Benedict—renowned German-born composer, conductor, and long-time figure of London’s musical life—infuses the piece with lyrical warmth and festive energy, beautifully capturing the spirit of traditional May Day celebrations.

This arrangement brings the pastoral character of the original part-song to life through the rich sonorities of two violins, viola, and cello, making it a delightful addition to concerts, recitals, and seasonal programs.

Instrumentation:

• Violin I

• Violin II

• Viola

• Cello

Difficulty: Intermediate