Duo for Violin and Viola by Jean Sibelius
Published by Fennica Gehman
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was Finland's greatest and first notable composer. Early in his career he found success as a violinist, but ultimately turned to composition, finding inspiration in the epic, mythical Finnish poem Kalevala and the breathtaking nature around his home in Ainola. His musical trademark is the organic, steady transformation of very small motives into sprawling, lyrical themes.
Though Sibelius wrote little chamber music in his maturity, many of his early compositions were charming, small-scale chamber pieces, like his delightful Duo for violin and viola (1892). The violin line is simple and melodic, while the viola line is more complex and accompanimental. As he was teaching violin at the time, it is likely that this reflects a pedagogical intent, with the pupil on violin and teacher on viola. Includes 1 performing score. Intermediate-advanced level, grade 4.
