Ein Choral, op. 68 no. 4 (string quartet)

Title: Ein Chorale

Composer: Robert Schumann, arr. David Gable

Instrumentation: Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3 (viola treble clef, to be used in place of viola); Viola; Cello

Printout: 5 pages

Notes: This beautiful setting of the chorale “Freu’ dich sehr, o meine Seele” is the fourth piece in Robert Schumann’s op. 68,  Album for the Young. The chorale was also used by J. S. Bach in multiple cantatas. Originally in G Major, it is here transposed to B flat to allow a third violin to be used in place of the viola or, if used in a string orchestra, to supplement the viola section. This is an excellent piece for religious and secular preludes and also for student ensembles.