If you are unfamiliar with the title La Cumparsita you will almost certainly recognise the melody. This tango by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez is not only arguably the most famous tango ever written but one of the most famous pieces ever written. This arrangement for four guitars or guitar orchestra by Gary Spolding would make an exciting addition to any concert programme.

Lasting approx. 3 minutes, the arrangement will suit an ambitious and enthusiastic group of guitarists who have reached grade 2 to 4 standard. Guitar 1 carries the melody throughout whilst Guitars 2, 3 and 4 provide supporting tango-esque figures. Guitar 2 has been written specifically to approx. ABRSM Grade 2 standard but Guitar 3 is not much more difficult. All guitar parts get to enjoy E major and A minor strummed chords and pizzicato phrases that provide drama.

If you work in education, this arrangement has these useful features…
- contrasting use of staccato and legato articulation for dramatic effect
- a D.S. al Fine
- various types of syncopated rhythms
- two different strummed chords that use the same finger shape

This piece is one in a series of arrangements by Gary Spolding for beginner guitar ensembles. Each arrangement has at least one guitar part that is accessible to a player of ABRSM grade 2 standard and the other parts are never more difficult than grade 4. They can be performed as guitar quartets with one player to a part or by guitar orchestra with multiple players per part making them ideal for guitar societies or school concerts.

If you like the look of this arrangement then Prokofiev’s Montagues and Capulets may also be of interest.

3 page score and separate parts each 2 pages
Grade 2-4
£6 as a pdf
Not available as a book
LMP 210