Two of alternative rock's best-known, mid-tempo ballads are translated into concise arrangements that capture the dynamic power of Coldplay's "Yellow" and the quiet melodicism of the Shins' "New Slang."

(Excerpted from the Performance Notes)

"New Slang" by the Shins captures the vibe of '60s folk music with a simple earnestness matched only by its infectiousness. In the original, a quiet, campfire-style acoustic guitar supports the haunting melody, so try performing this string arrangement with a super-relaxed feel. Lightly brushed strokes on the string, perhaps even sul tasto, will help create an ethereal atmosphere, especially when the violins play false harmonics starting at m. 26. No matter which instrument is playing the melody, be sure to preserve the leisurely legato feel throughout. However, when the 1st Violin plays the "guitar solo" (indicated by the "easygoing" marking: m. 39 through m. 45, and m. 57 through m. 63) try playing the long notes of the melody with a tremolo to simulate the cool vibrato effect applied to the guitar in the Shins' original version.

(Music by James Mercer. Performed by Real Vocal String Quartet. Length: 4:37)

New Slang

Coldplay was not yet a household name in 2000 when the British pop band released "Yellow," but once this catchy tune hit the airwaves (and the video music channels) the band was on its way to becoming one of the biggest acts in the world. "Yellow" immediately impressed me with a super-compressed acoustic guitar sound and the fantastic instrument that is frontman Chris Martin's voice. Because the straightforward groove of the band's original version could have been bland with just the string quartet, my arrangement changes the feel with a rhythmic cello part, which is much more active than the bass part in Coldplay's version. The result is somewhat Baroque. The obbligato arpeggio in the 2nd Violin part propels the arrangement in the verses and allows the choruses to open up, rhythmically speaking, which will hopefully prompt the listener to join in for an old-fashioned sing-along. Without making it too jaunty, keep a spring in your step throughout.

Yellow

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(Music by Guy Berryman, John Buckland, Will Champion, and Chris Martin. Performed by Real Vocal String Quartet. Length: 3:50)

—Eric Gorfain