Sonata for Violin and Violoncello-Following the intoxicating sounds of La Valse the smaller scoring and modern musical language of Sonata For Violin And Violoncello were a shock. Yet this pioneering work has now become a permanent fixture onthe concert stage.To help the players two performance scores are provided in which the other instrument’s part is also given. Both parts are included in a marked and an unmarked version.Sonata For Violin AndVioloncello was composed by Maurice Ravel between between 1920 and 1922.

Sonata for Violin and Cello and composed by Luigi Boccherini was transcribed and annotated by Paul Bazelaire a professor at the National Conservatoire. Ideal for a recital or for a contest this sonata in four parts is quite challenging for both instruments and would require advanced skills. The Cello score is written over the C and the F key and each of the four parts includes numerous repetitions and fast sections. These four parts are 1. Allegretto Spiritoso 2. Vivace 3. Grave and 4. Allegro Assai. This really nice Sonata will be a delight to play and to listen to. LuigiBoccherini (1743-1806) composed numerous pieces for various instruments including Cello duets chamber music cantatas ballets orchestral music masses and a large amount of music for strings.

Russian army officer Cesar Cui is best known for his avocational life in music – as a composer and music critic. Even though Cui composed in almost all genres of his time his status today in therepertoire is considerably small based (in the West) primarily on some of his Piano and chamber music – such as the (originally) Violin and Piano piece Orientale. Part of Kaleidoscope a collectionof 24 miniatures (most of which are now forgotten) Orientale has been a staple on violinists' and cellists' encore lists for more than a century now. The piece is a prime example of Cui’s strongesttalent the crystallization of mood at an instant in his instrumental miniatures. The 6/8 time Allegretto rides along on a tambourine rhythm set up by the soloist in the opening bars with the main tune offered by the Piano andlater taken up “with tenderness” by the Cello. As the name suggests this beautiful miniature carries oriental sounds and motives symbolising the mysterious atmosphere of the desert and with a performance time of under2 minutes is a perfect addition to any cellist’s repertoire.

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.

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.

Halvorsen's Passacaglia is based on a theme by Handel and is arranged here as a rich and expressive duet for Violin and Cello.

Arrangements that are designed to be enjoyed in a number of settings. Companion books for violin and viola are available. Each offers the melody and harmony part along with piano accompaniment. Suggested uses are: solo cello withpiano accompaniment cello duets cello and violin duets trios with violin cello and viola duets and trios with viola.