Barcarolle (Belle nuit), from The Tales of Hoffman (string quartet)

Title: Barcarolle (Belle nuit), from The Tales of Hoffman

Composer: Jacques Offenbach, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Violin 1; Violin 2; Viola; Cello

Printout: 8 pages

Note: The Tales of Hoffman is one of Offenbach’s best known operas, and the Barcarolle is its stand-out duet. In this arrangement, the two vocal lines are given to the viola and second violin, while the first violin carries the rolled arpeggios of the harp part.