Funiculì, Funiculà by Luigi Denza is arguably the most famous railway song ever written that most people do not realise is about a railway! This arrangement by Gary Spolding is relatively simple to put together and makes an extremely popular crowd pleaser in any performance setting.

Lasting a little over 1 minute, the arrangement will suit an ambitious and enthusiastic group of guitarists who have reached grade 2 to 4 standard. Guitars 1, 2 & 3 all share identical rhythm (useful when rehearsing) while Guitar 4 has a driving beat comprising two notes to the bar for almost the entire piece. Guitars 2 & 4 are accessible to players of around ABRSM Grade 2 standard but Guitar 4 does require players who are familiar with low-note ledger lines.

If you work in education, this arrangement has these useful features…
- a 6/8 time signature
- an A major key signature
- small phrases that repeat an octave higher
- sudden and extreme changes in dynamics

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 Bizet’s Farandole may also be of interest.

3 page score and separate parts each 1 page
Grade 2-4
£6 as a pdf
Not available as a book
LMP 216