Béla Bartók composed his 44 Violin Duos in 1931, at the urging of the German violin pedagogue Erich Doflein. With two exceptions, all the pieces are based on original folk music themes, most of which the composer himself collected in the course of his numerous collecting trips to the Carpathian Basin and in Algeria. Although conceived as parts of a pedagogically motivated set, these little pieces are highly effective in concert performance as well. The viola transcriptions follow Bartóks original faithfully. / 2 Altos

30 petites pièces mélodiques et rythmiques pour alto/ 30 Short Melodic and Rhythmic Pieces For Viola-Written for 2nd and 3rd year instrumental students My First Studies To Play Together for Viola presents itself as the little brother of the collection for Violin available under reference number AL30683. Valerie Bime-Apparailly once again deploys her usual teaching talent by transforming this genre often seen as boring and austere into a progressive introduction to the mysteries of technique captivating students with its clear clean design and focus on fun. In My First Studies To Play Together for Viola each unit begins with the melody that the young musician is to learn. The technical challenge to master is indicatedin boxed text. Explanations may follow (on the notation of Da Capo for example) after which comes the complete score and the accompaniment to be played by the teacher. Mozart Spohr and Beethoven but also great teachers like Charles de B?riot Jean-Delphin Alard and Maurice Hauchard help students absorb fundamental musical concepts like slurs syncopation appogiatura and bow indications without losing sight of the most important part: the pleasure of playing music.

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.