Cielito Lindo | Multi-Level Masterpiece

A Multi-Level Masterpiece Arrangement by Michael Linert
Commissioned by the Aspen Music Festival and School 2022

The video above is from the Aspen Music Festival and Schools 2024 performance at the Mariachi Workshop and Celebration. The video below is from the festival’s 2022 premiere performance.

Join the Cielito Lindo Legion here to license this arrangement!

Specific Strategies for Cielito Lindo:

• Foundational Notes

  • Rhythm 1 - Play the written note on the downbeat

  • Rhythm 2

    • 1st time: M. 1-56, play the written notes on beats 2 and 3.

    • 2nd time M. 1-52, play the written notes on beats 2 and 3 / M. 53 & 61-64, play the written note on the downbeat only.

• Switching parts mid-song is possible. For instance, at a recent workshop, we utilized the following structure:

  • 1st Half (m.1-56)  | 2nd Half (m.9-end)

    • Violin 1 - 1st Half: Harmony 1 | 2nd Half: Melody 1

    • Violin 2 - 1st Half: Harmony 1 | 2nd Half: Melody 2

    • Viola - 1st Half: Melody 1 | 2nd Half: Harmony 1

    • Cello - 1st Half: Melody 2 | 2nd Half: Bass 2

    • Bass - 1st Half: Melody 1 | 2nd Half: Bass 2 

Version Updates:

• 6/10/24 - Arrangement now includes 4 verses instead of 2. The arrangement can still be done completely instrumentally or with any amount of vocal versus and/or the chorus sung.

• 6/10/24 - Lyrics in the instrumental melody lines have been hidden to allow for more “white space” on the page to enhance readability and space for personal notations. The lyrics were initially included to help with discussion of phrasing and textual emphasis. The “Voice - Melody” part can still be utilized for that same lesson.