Can't Help Falling in Love and Love Me Tender: Elvis Presley Love Songs for String Quartet
- Price $16.99
- By Eric Gorfain
- Sheet Music
- Published by String Letter Publishing
Embrace the lighthearted romanticism of "Can't Help Falling in Love," ideal for weddings, cocktail parties, and other casual gigs."Love Me Tender," one of Elvis' most beloved ballads, is a classic that's rewarding when played with heartfelt sensitivity. Add these popular Elvis love songs to your repertoire and be prepared for any romantic occasion.
(Excerpted from the Performance Notes)
Elvis' version of "Can't Help Falling in Love" is based on the melody"Plaisir d'amour," by Jean Paul Egide Martini. It was released in 1961 on the soundtrack to Blue Hawaii, and was penned by George Weiss, Hugo Peretti, and Luigi Creatore. This lovely ballad has since been covered by everyone from Doris Day to UB40 (a No. 1 Billboard hit in 1993)—Bruce Springsteen has performed it in concert and U2 even used it as a show closer on tour. Now it's time for a string quartet to join the ranks!
As someone who came of age in the '80s, I based my string quartet arrangement on a combination of Elvis' version and the memorably upbeat interpretation by Lick the Tins, which appeared in John Hughes' 1987 film Some Kind of Wonderful. Unlike that Celtic-flavored version, there's no need to speed through this arrangement, but do give it a little life and buoyancy.
"Can't Help Falling in Love" is often requested for weddings, but this lovely tune is just as effective at cocktail parties and other "casual" gigs. Have fun with the lighthearted romanticism of my arrangement of this Elvis Presley classic.
Buy the complete song in MP3 format ($0.99).
(Music by George Weiss, Hugo Peretti, and Luigi Creatore. Performed by Real Vocal String Quartet. Length: 2:06)
One of Elvis' most beloved ballads, "Love Me Tender" is a true classic—it's based on the Civil War-era tune"Aura Lee" by George Poulton and was first published in 1861. (Ken Darby actually penned the Elvis lyrics, but Presley and Vera Matson received songwriting credits for royalty purposes). The song is the theme to Elvis' 1956 film debut and a million copies of the single sold before its release thanks to a performance by the rocker on The Ed Sullivan Show. It's a perfect ballad for wedding parties and all other romantic occasions.
My arrangement is solidly in the "traditional" vein, so play it with heartfelt sensitivity, a warm tone, and even a bit of schmaltz, if you so desire. The melody moves around the four parts, so don't let the tempo drag as the instruments trade between the lead and accompaniment roles. Also, dynamics play a big part in this arrangement: be sure to let the melody lead, but bring out the little bits of movement in the inner voices under melodic cadences, as first happens in the second violin in m. 8.
Enjoy this pretty song and the heartfelt sentiment and tears of happiness it is sure to inspire!
Buy the complete song in MP3 format ($0.99).
(Music by Elvis Presley and Vera Matson. Performed by Real Vocal String Quartet. Length: 2:45)