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.

Par BERIO LUCIANO. This set of arrangements of Luciano Berio’s “Duetti”, originally for two violins, represents a fascinating expansion of the limited repertoire for two violas. Berio originally conceived these duets as a collection of occasional pieces, each dedicated to someone who was close to him, rather like Elgar’s “Enigma” Variations, but they eventually developed into a full compositional project with pedagogical overtones. As such, there is a wide variation in technical demands, from pieces playable by beginners up to a duet that foreshadows the skills required for Berio’s “Sequenza” for the viola. Taken as a whole, over some years of study, the “Duetti” can gently lead players into the mysteries of contemporary music; however, the composer also envisaged them in a concert performance of the complete cycle with at least 24 players of differing abilities taking turns to play. In this guise, it might be an intriguing idea to mix them with the original version for two violins (UE17757), although it must be understood that the two versions are not mutually compatible to be played as violin/viola duets./ Répertoire / 2 Altos