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.

Par COHEN MARY. Superduets Book 2 provides a wonderful new repertoire of original and entertaining duets for beginner violinists. It is designed to build on techniques that have been learned in Supeduets Book 1 and can be started as soon as players have mastered octave scale in D and G. Consolidating skills such as rhythmic confidence and aural perception, and exploring a wide range of techniques, sound effects and movements, Mary Cohen's 'Superduets' are ideal for developing solid technique in the context of ensemble work. These delightful pieces serve as a unique introduction to the joys of social music-making. The violin books are also compatible with the cello books opening up possibilities for mixed ensemble playing. / Ensemble Music, Instrumental Music / Etude / 2 Violons

Par NEUMANN EVA-MARIA. Every year, an important question never fails to arise during violin lessons: can beginners already take part in the performance of Christmas carols? Now the answer is: Yes, they can! ? thanks to the 35 pieces in ?Weihnacht voller Lichterglanz? (The Bright Lights of Christmas). Eva-Maria Neumann, the author of the well-known ?Geigenschule? (Violin Method) has arranged not only popular German carols, but also pieces from the Nordic countries, Russia, France, Spain and South America as well, and included free arrangements of instrumental Christmas music (Manfredini, Corelli, Haydn) in her collection. The book is arranged according to types of fingering in the first two parts. Sixteen carols are particularly well-suited to beginners who have only just begun learning their instrument. Their accompanying part is to be played only on open strings. Furthermore, all pieces have at least one part in the first position. Thus all violinists can contribute to a memorable Christmas of shared music-making./ Méthode / 2 ou 3 Violons