Igudesman, the highly accomplished violinist that he is, starts us off with a joke: What can violinists do better than viola players? Play viola! Okay, but seriously, he goes on to encourage violinists and violists to at least explore playing the other instrument, as was common practice in the 19th century. His 10 duets offer just such an opportunity, or, failing that, evocative duets for string players, each with a bit of humor. He is, after all, quite a showman. The duets are not easy, but will be accessible to string players of advancing skills. |
