Siciliano by Carcassi for Classical Ukulele

Jeff Peterson’s arrangement of Siciliano by Carcassi for classical ukulele brings a wonderful gem of the classical guitar repertoire to the ukulele. You can pick up the book from which this arrangement is taken at the link below.

Siciliano by Carcassi

The Siciliano, a musical form that originated in Southern Italy, gained popularity during the Baroque era. This Classical-era piece perfectly embodies the style. It utilizes a 3/4 or waltz time signature with three counts per measure, where the quarter note receives one count. The harmony gracefully shifts between Dm, Gm, and A7 chords. A dotted rhythm recurs in the melody alongside long, sustained bass notes that resonate throughout each measure.

Performance Notes

It’s important to ensure that the fretted D and A bass notes sustain for the full three counts to maintain finger independence. Keep the bass notes ringing while the melody notes move freely above them. The piece begins with an anacrusis, or pickup note, leading into the first full measure. In the right hand, the thumb handles the notes on the 4th and 3rd strings. The index and middle fingers alternate on the melody notes played on the top two strings.

Classical Music for Ukulele Volume 2

Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2

The Siciliano by Carcassi comes from our book Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2. The book has around 50 pieces of classical masterpieces carefully arranged for low-G ukulele in a progressive order. Starting with simple famous melodies like Bach’s Minuet you progress step-by-step all the way through to classical favorites such as Faure’s Pavane and Asturias by Issac Albéniz. Pick up your copy of Graded Repertoire for Classical Ukulele: Volume 2 here.

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You can find lessons on these pieces and a whole library of different genres of music, including blues, Hawaiian, pop, classical, traditional, jazz, holiday, and more at Ukulele Corner Academy. Find out more about the Academy and join today.