Had I Thee – two part round for strings (elementary strings)

Title: Had I Thee

Key: G Major

Meter: alla breve

Tempo: Andante e legato

Genre: folk round

Origin: Switzerland, arr. David Gable

Markings: dynamics (mf); repeat; first and second endings

Instrumentation: Violins (doubled); Viola (doubles violins); Cello; Bass (optional)

Note: This two part round is an excellent vehicle for early ensemble playing; All students can learn the same fairly simple tune together, and when played in parts the octave differentiation deters students from jumping to the wrong part. Left hand settings are easy; violins and violas use high second finger with no need for fourth fingers, cellos use 1, 3, and 4, basses use 2 and 4; rhythms are steady, using quarter and half notes.