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
SKU: PR.UE036649
UPC: 803452070405.
When a violinist lamented on the dearth of violin duets, Berio instantly began the process of creating a series of short duos, each named in honor of a friend or fellow musician/composer. Over the years, this set of 34 Duetti took shape, spanning a range of skill levels. Many feature a simpler role for one player, usually with an emphasis on a particular skill or technique. In her excellent transcription for two violas, Mayer-Lindenberg points out that No. 20 uses playing techniques necessary for those preparing Berio's Sequenza VI for Viola Solo. Violists have long created their own arrangements of the original violin duos. Mayer-Lindenberg has now transcribed the complete set, retaining original keys where possible or transcribing down to accommodate the viola's range.
