Chinese-style violin duet

Author: Chief Editor: Liu Dakuo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-10
Features: Preface Learning the violin cannot be solely about pursuing technique; it also requires developing a good musical sense. The best way to develop musical sense is to play chamber music and ensemble pieces. Some may say, "It's hard to find partners for chamber music." Yes, playing chamber music requires certain conditions, the most important of which are partners with comparable skill levels and suitable scores. In larger chamber music or ensemble settings, requirements such as venue and conductor also come into play. However, among all forms of chamber music, violin duets are the most convenient and easiest to start with. German violinist Hermann once wrote a thick five-volume violin tutorial primarily focused on duets. Two students with similar skill levels, or a teacher accompanying a student, can improve their musical expression through duets and expose themselves to works in various musical styles, thereby enriching their experience.
A violin duet is a piece of music played by two violins, with two performers (two parts) being equally important. If the piece is in a homophonic style, one player often accompanies the other, and then the roles are reversed. If the piece is in a polyphonic style, all players play the same theme but enter at different times. During performances, it is possible for two players to perform one part, a form known as a double duet. Some duets also include accompaniment (such as piano or a small orchestra), like Sarasate's Zarabanda. Even over three hundred years ago, during the European Baroque era, many composers like Corelli wrote numerous works for two violins and basso continuo, which were then called trio sonatas. Other composers like Vivaldi and Bach wrote double violin concertos for two violins and an orchestra. However, the duets in this collection are unaccompanied. In the history of foreign music, composers who wrote for this form include Mozart and Bartók, while violinists include Vivaldi, Spohr, Berio, and Dancle, among others. They have also arranged some classic masterpieces into violin duets, which have a strong stage presence. Renowned contemporary violinists like Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman frequently perform these pieces, earning great popularity among audiences.
Composers create violin duets not only for performance purposes but also for educational needs. As a complete performer, one must possess the ability to play in harmony with others, flexible and versatile playing techniques, and broad musical cultivation. For this reason, chamber music training is essential, and duets are the simplest and most feasible form of such training. Additionally, duet training serves as a necessary step in preparing for chamber music ensembles, such as string quartets, as well as for becoming a skilled orchestra member in the future.
In duets, players can engage in tuning exercises (such as tonal harmony and pure tuning), rhythmic training (various rhythmic combinations), and cooperative training (such as unifying bowing techniques, dynamics, tone production, and vibrato, as well as balancing parts). These are all fundamental ensemble skills required for becoming a proficient quartet or orchestra member.
In this collection of violin duets, we have included 20 newly composed pieces. In terms of style, these works encompass a variety of musical flavors from different regions and ethnic groups in China. In terms of compositional techniques, in addition to melody-based homophonic music with accompaniment, there are also polyphonic contrapuntal music in two voices. Besides original compositions, the (adapted) materials include folk songs, traditional operas, instrumental music, and composed songs, suitable for both beginner and professional levels. They can be used by students and teachers of violin in various schools, (youth activity centers), cultural centers, as well as professional and amateur violinists.
In recent years, with the increasing exchange of cultural interactions between countries, there has been a growing demand for music with Chinese ethnic styles. We hope that this violin duet collection can play an active role in this regard.
Yang Baozhi Ding Zhengnuo February 1999