Harmonische Fantasie über ein Thema von Tallis. Par KNOX GARTH. Thomas Tallis (1505–1585) was one of the great figures of English Renaissance music and the Third mode melody is probably his best known work, largely thanks to Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis. In the manner of an illuminated manuscript, I wanted to illuminate this fascinating theme in three ways: from behind with medieval techniques like the ‘hoquetus’ passage of the opening or the dance at letter B, from in front with more contemporary sounds (letter A and similar), and from above with the extensive use of high harmonics. Almost all the notes of the theme fall very neatly on the ‘natural’ harmonics of the viola strings, and my ambition was to combine the ‘normal’ notes of the viola with its soaring harmonics, creating a rich luminous soundscape which reflects the spirituality of the theme. Tallis’s melody returns repeatedly to the note B, and I interpreted this as a gentle invitation to simply be, in the sense of quiet moments of mediation. I decided to include a series of still points in the piece: the first one is in silence, the second reveals a note (B) that oscillates in a harmonic heartbeat, the third is a vibrating chord of B with harmonics, and on the last one the second viola tunes down the C string to B, then explores all the natural harmonics of this new world. The term still point is of course a reference to the words of T.S. Eliot in his Four Quartets: 'At the still point of the turning world. Neither flesh nor fleshless; Neither from nor towards; at the still point, there the dance is.' (Garth Knox) / Date parution : 2024-01-06/ Répertoire / 2 Altos

Garth Knox is one of the most prominent violists of his generation, and as former long-time member of the Arditti Quartet he has developed and maintained a fondness of contemporary music. In the meantime, he gives concerts and teaches courses all over the world.With 'Viola Spaces' he wants to make contemporary playing techniques accessible to advanced players. The pieces, or 'playing spaces', are true concert studies, each of them dealing with specific techniques such as harmonics, pizzicato (with 9 fingers!) or tremolos which are explained in great detail.Another volume with modern playing techniques for two violas and a volume with variations on a piece by the French viola da gamba master Marin Marais for four violas are planned. / 2 Altos

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 SCHREIER ANNO. Anno Schreier created these four miniatures as preliminary studies for his opera on the logician and computer scientist, Alan Turing, considered today to be the most influential theorist in the development of computers. / Date parution : 2022-07-30/ Répertoire / 2 Altos

This duet collection of 17 keyboard, vocal and instrumental pieces covering the Baroque to the 20th Century periods can be played together in harmony by any number or combination of instruments. Woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion can play in like-instrument or mixed instrumentation. It's an all-purpose folio that makes classical music fun! Contains: Allegro (Mozart) * Aria (from Rigoletto) (Verdi) * Au Clair de la Lune (Lully) * Capricho Catalan (Albeniz) * Duet (Mozart) * Duetto (Pleyel) * Echo (Haydn) * Larghetto (Telemann) * Lost is My Quiet (Purcell) * Lullaby (Brahms) * Melody (Schumann) * Minuet (Bach) * Minuet in Canon (Mozart) * Pavana (Scarlatti) * Siciliene (Aubert) * Two Adagios (Corelli) * Two Rigaudons (Rameau).

Ten Klezmatic Duets for Violas est un recueil aux multiples facettes : dix mélodies klezmer connues et de styles différents ont été arrangées pour être jouées par deux altistes, mais également en duo avec un autre instrumentiste à cordes, tel qu'un violoniste ou un violoncelliste possédant le recueil approprié. En tant qu'altiste, vous devrez cependant maîtriser la première position. / Altos / 16 pages / niveau : Elémentaire / Partition

Duos pour alto Starter contient quelques arrangements d'airs traditionnels, mais surtout de nouvelles compositions, inspirées par la tradition classique - avec quelques éléments occasionnels contemporain. Dès le début, ces duos peut être joué aux côtés de toute méthode de violoncelle. Les parties supérieure et inférieure sont égales en termes de difficulté et de l'expression musicale. / 2 Altos / 44 pages / niveau : Très Facile - Facile / Recueil