4-6 octaves – Level 3
Duration: 2:05

by Luigi Boccherini
transcribed by Scott Pfitzinger

This piece was originally called “I spagnoli si divertono per la strada” and was written for string quintet. The piece made use of quadruple stops, with the players actually strumming the instruments like guitars. This particular number has also become popular through its presence in the movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, where Russell Crowe (as Capt. Jack Aubrey, and, yes, he actually learned to play violin enough to perform it for real in this movie) and Paul Bettany play it on the ship with just a violin and cello.

A fun little interlude of a piece (only about 2 minutes long) with a melody that moves around within the bell ranges. No key changes or tempo changes, and only a moderate amount of technique variance. Suitable for any occasion where a light-hearted change of pace is needed.

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