COMPOSER'S NOTESThe music of these violin duos has been influenced by the centuries-long flow of traditional music from the British Isles to North America and back again. The compositions are dedicated toseveral people who are keeping that transatlantic musical flow in motion today.Sleep Sound Ida Mornin'Sleep Sound ida Mornin' is a very short duo for two violins based on a traditionaltune which I first heard in the Orkney Islands although played there on the banjo by a native of Kansas. My extended version with a slow introduction was first played in Boston on 29th January 1995 by Lesley Chen and NathanSchmidt members of the New England Conservatory's Preparatory Division during their annual weekend festival of contemporary music. This very remarkable and encouraging event was devised and organised by Rodney Lister to whomthis piece is dedicated.Duration c. 2 minutes.Atlantic DriftAn earlier even shorter version of Atlantic Drift written for violin and piano was first performed by PeterSheppard Skaerved and Aaron Schorr at the Royal Academy of Music London on 9th May 2006 in a concert to celebrate the 70th birthday of the American composer and transatlantic communicator Elliott Schwartz. The melody isoriginal though clearly influenced by the music and perpetual tides of the Hebrides. Duration c. 3 minutes.Rain and Mist are on the Mountain I'd Better Buy SomeShoesThis four-movement duo for two violins is based on a fragment of a Gaelic folk song from Barra in the Western Isles of Scotland. The title suggests that although the Gaels of yesteryear were rich inpoetic expression and the beauties of nature they were otherwise not very affluent. Rain and Mist was first performed at the Wigmore Hall London on 6th February 2005 by Corina Belcea and Laura Samuel.Duration c. 6

In 1892 Josef Suk (1874-1935) a mere 18 years of age contributed his piece Melody to a collection of simple works for Violin (for two three or four Violins and for Violin with Piano accompaniment) called The Young Violinist published by the Prague-based firm Jos. R. Vilimek (several books issued per year).This short charming and technically undemanding piece for young violinists which is possibly more familiar to Czech audiences in arrangements for other combinations of instruments (Violin and Piano or solo Piano) was published once again in its original version for two Violins to mark the 70th anniversary of Suk's death(2005).The whereabouts of the autograph of this work is unknown; the editor of the new edition Zdenek Nouza based his revisions on the original carefully prepared edition from 1892. The bowings are Suk's own (he was an excellent violinist) but no fingerings have been added since the piece can be played by violinists of varying technical proficiency; first position alone would suffice however a fuller richer sound would be gained with greater mastery of the instrument.

An impelling and moving Sonata for Two Violins by Ukrainian composer Sergei Prokofiev. The four short movements are lyrical playful fantastic and violent all striking themes. The warmer style and highly effective sequence mirrors Prokofiev's condition at the time of composition: after his travels to the West away from Russia his work became increasingly more embracing rather than the confrontational and biting scores of his youth. This piece is one of the Great Performer's Editions and has been faithfully edited by David Oistrakh.

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.

Violin Duets-'Tricks and Games' comprises a series of fifteen short and contrasting pieces in a light yet essentially modern idiom. Parts are intended to be played by two pupils of similar abilities. Including:- Chinese Chequers Draughts Cowboys Indians Rag-Time etc. - each presents a different challenge yet with the emphasis on fun.Grade: 3 - 6

Easy Instrumental Duets-23 blockbuster hits in easy duet arrangements for two instrumentalists are featured in this collection: City of Stars ? Footloose ? Hallelujah ? Moon River ? The Pink Panther ? Puttin' on the Ritz ? Skyfall ? That's Amore ? and more. Arrangements work for two of the same instrument or can also be used with the other strings titles from this series.