Par COHEN MARY. Carol Stringfest presents popular carols in flexible arrangements for string quartet, beginner strings and duet. The books in the series can be used independently or in conjunction with one another. The inclusion of very simple parts for absolute beginners and an optional piano accompaniment, to support less confident groups, makes the series valuable to a wide range of abilities. Lyrics are also provided, so there is something for everyone, a must for Christmas!/ Répertoire / Quatuor à Cordes

The study of string instruments should include ensemble playing at the earliest possible stage. There is much to be gained from the playing of duets. Each player learns how to listen to the other, and in a short time develops an awareness of balance, musical phrasing, intonation, and tone quality. This type of training is excellent preparation for participation in large groups. These four volumes of duets for two violins will help fill the need for early ensemble experience in the public schools. They should be used in string classes as a supplement to any of the standard string methods. They will also encourage music making outside of the school, with parents or with other students. These duets are ideal for recitals in the public schools and in public school festivals. They may be played by two performers, or by multiple performers on each part, with or without piano accompaniment.

Harmonische Fantasie über ein Thema von Tallis. Par KNOX GARTH. Thomas Tallis (1505–1585) was one of the great figures of English Renaissance music and the Third mode melody is probably his best known work, largely thanks to Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis. In the manner of an illuminated manuscript, I wanted to illuminate this fascinating theme in three ways: from behind with medieval techniques like the ‘hoquetus’ passage of the opening or the dance at letter B, from in front with more contemporary sounds (letter A and similar), and from above with the extensive use of high harmonics. Almost all the notes of the theme fall very neatly on the ‘natural’ harmonics of the viola strings, and my ambition was to combine the ‘normal’ notes of the viola with its soaring harmonics, creating a rich luminous soundscape which reflects the spirituality of the theme. Tallis’s melody returns repeatedly to the note B, and I interpreted this as a gentle invitation to simply be, in the sense of quiet moments of mediation. I decided to include a series of still points in the piece: the first one is in silence, the second reveals a note (B) that oscillates in a harmonic heartbeat, the third is a vibrating chord of B with harmonics, and on the last one the second viola tunes down the C string to B, then explores all the natural harmonics of this new world. The term still point is of course a reference to the words of T.S. Eliot in his Four Quartets: 'At the still point of the turning world. Neither flesh nor fleshless; Neither from nor towards; at the still point, there the dance is.' (Garth Knox) / Date parution : 2024-01-06/ Répertoire / 2 Altos

21 character duets for pupil and teacher. Par COBB CELIA. Cool Beans is an eclectic mix of 21 character duets composed by Celia Cobb and Naomi Yandell. The pieces draw on a wide range of moods, styles and playing techniques, and young string players will enjoy exploring and performing them with their teachers. The duets in Cool Beans are designed to encourage excellence in both technical and performance skills, as well as build confidence in ensemble playing from an early stage. Each book comes with a separate pupil?s part, for ease of reading, as well as a full score. / Date parution : 2023-03-11/ Recueil / 2 Altos