Six Caprices for Violin Duo
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Six Caprices for Violin Duo
Instrumentation: 2 violins
Duration: 15 minutes
Recorded by: Frank Huang, Chen Xi, violin duo. Sejong Soloists on Naxos label
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Program note:
What is betterthan one violin? Two violins! In1986, I began composing series of short character pieces for two violins to explore a variety of violin techniques and textures. For my purposes, the free form of a caprice seemed suitable. In these virtuosic pieces both violinsare treated equally and each caprice can be performed independently or in any order.
The first caprice begins with a three-note motif that can be found throughout the set. It is the longest caprice, with a variety of characters and textures; from quick imitative passages to lyrical lines to crashing chords implying a largerensemble. The second caprice explores the contrast between staccato and legatolines with a whimsical ending. Number three is about playing together and apart. After an intense and expansive peak, it ends peacefully. Numbers four and five feature a variety of moods and textures, most notably passive and agitated. The sixth caprice is a wildly virtuosic dance, racing with enormous energy to the end. It covers all corners of the violin and at times implies even more than two violins!
Reviews:
"[The work] showed organized, recognizable melodic and rhythmic themes, pulse, musical emotion and wit."
-Judith White, The Saratogian
"His love for the violin is evident throughout this skillfully written 20-minute piece. He writes with lyric beauty throughout the work."
-James Hennerty, Albany Times Union
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