Analysing Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525 by Mozart First Movement for Guitar Quartet Transcribed by Melvyn J. Willin

Abstract

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525 is a widely recognised work for string chamber, later transcribed for guitar quartet by Melvyn J. Willin. This paper analyses the guitar arrangement to explore the essential elements that serve the musical dynamics of guitar quartets. Specifically, the study develops a series of ensemble practice techniques tailored for the quartet setting. The study shows that the arranger retained the original key of G major, respelling the guitar piece in a manner that closely adhered to the original string chamber. However, some notes were adjusted to accommodate the range and the left-hand fingerings in congruence with the actuality of guitar performance.

The initial practice begins with solo exercises for the first and fourth guitars focusing on scales and the slur technique to facilitate the effective execution of melody and countermelody in the key of G. The first guitar concentrates on higher frets, while the fourth guitar engages with lower registers. The second and third guitars are tasked with playing two strings simultaneously using an alternating right-hand technique involving the index and middle fingers, which require time and practice to achieve precision. Ensemble exercises are designed to foster unity, beginning with paired guitar parts playing in unison, intervals, or octaves, before progressing to full quartet performance.