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

The Tunes for Two series is well established and is used in so many schools throughout the world thanks to the fine arrangements of such well-known pieces. There are 30 duets in each book (piano books oneand two contain 20 each). An excellent introduction to ensemble playing the familiar tunes make playing-along a rewarding experience. The versatile C and B flat instruments book has one part for each instrument.

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.

50 Duets Can Be Played by Any Comb of String Instr-The intention of Compatible Christmas Duets For Strings is to provide instrument players the opportunity to play fifty popular Christmas carols in arrangements for two instruments.These duets will work with any combination of any two instruments so you can play carols with your friends no matter what instrument they play. There are endless possibilities for using duet combinations for fun and entertainment around the holidays. You can play for family friends or in a concert setting.Compatible Christmas Duets For Strings provides you with interesting and playable arrangements. It can also help to make practice time fun aroundthe holidays and can be used with friends and teachers as well. One of the best ways to improve as a player is to play in small chamber groups and duets are the easiest way to get started. Playing duets with others of similar ability levels or even of greater ability will help to stimulate the growth of your playing.

Easy Instrumental Duets-23 Disney favorites in easy duet arrangements for two instrumentalists are featured in this collection: Beauty and the Beast â?¢ Circle of Life â?¢ Evermore â?¢ Friend like Me â?¢ How Far I'll Go â?¢ Let It Go â?¢ Mickey Mouse March â?¢ Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious â?¢ When You Wish upon a Star â?¢ A Whole New World â?¢ Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah â?¢ and more. Arrangements work for two flutes or can be used with the other woodwind titles from this series.