Duets are a common type of music presentation in genres like folk music. The violin duet is slightly different, where two musicians perform a piece of music work with one or two violins. Violin duets are an extension of violin duos where two solo violins are in play.
In a duet, you need an additional orchestra and sometimes a continuo. Violin duet’s concerto repertories are comparatively small in length but make a massive difference in overall performance.
Easy Duets for Beginners
Here in this piece, we are looking at Violin Duets for Beginners, which are easy to play but rich in art.
1. Charles De Beriot: Three Duo Concertante Op.57
The three-duo concertante is also famous as Grand Duo. It is primarily a set of three duos of the concert played with two violins. Belgian composer Charles De Beriot composed this duet. The target platform for this concertante is a stage. But the simplicity of writing and orchestral alignment of the duet makes it perfect for all the mediums.
If you are a beginner looking to master a perfect duet with the slightest complexity but elevated skills, this should be at the top of your list.
2. Telemann, Georg Philipp: Six Canonic Sonatas for Two Violins
Since Telemann Georg Phillip wrote this piece for two violins, the magical 6 Canonic Sonatas got published for all the instrument combinations. That makes it a rewarding option for beginners. If they can master it, they can improvise and play with diverse instruments.
The six Canonic Sonatas are an industry of experiments. Over time, various musicians played it with different combinations. It presents an excellent opportunity for learners who want to master the art of duets.
3. Moritz Moszkowski: Suite for 2 Violins and Piano, Op. 71
As a composer, Moritz Moszkowski did not get much appreciation for his work in his time. Even his contemporaries did not rate him very highly. It took time for people to realize his mastery. Suite for 2 Violins and Piano, Op. 71 is a living testament to the skill he owned.
The German-polish composer starts it with romantic high, broad themes. At the same time, the second movement is all about elegance. And when he moves to the third and fourth movements, you will see a contrast. The third starts slowly and finds its spirit in the finale.
4. JS Bach: Concerto for Two Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D Minor (BWV 1043)
This piece from JS Bach probably needs no introduction, even for beginners. That is the level of this composition. Almost all violinists try to master it at the beginning of their careers. Well, there can be no reason why they should not. You will find this piece from JS Bach featured in the syllabus of music schools worldwide.
In this concerto, both strings and continuo go together in the symphony for two violins. Bach’s subtle use of Baroque techniques makes it sound even more powerful.
5. Wieniawski: Etude-Caprices For Two Violins, Op.18 – No.4 In A Minor
Etudes-Caprices are a set of eight studies put together. Wieniawski composed the etudes so that the second person always carries the violin.
It is a perfect duet for the teacher-student combo. The teacher can easily play along with students on both sides. If played correctly, the duet is very soothing to the ear. Moreover, the etudes offer a lot of potential to every budding violinist, giving them a set of easy but skillful compositions to play with their masters.
6. Darius Milhaud: Duo for Two Violins op.258
Darius Milhaud was a French violinist who took motivation from Brazilian pop music. He composed a duo for two violins op 258 in the second half of the year 1945.
The composition of the duo is much synchronized. The first movement starts with Gai, which lasts for about one minute. Besides, the next move is romance, and in the finale, you get Gigue. The class of Darius Milhaud is on display in these three tracks.
7. Darius Milhaud: Le Boeuf sur le toit, Op. 58
Le Boeuf Sur le Toit’s English name is ‘The ox on the roof.’ That is primarily a surrealist ballet by Darius Milhaud. Darius’s same piece played as a score in a Charlie Chaplin movie, ‘cinema-fantasie.’ Like most of his films, this was also a silent film.
Still, it is the composition of Darius Milhaud that did manage to give voice to a silent movie. The piano duet also has a version made for the chamber orchestra, which came before the duet.
Conclusion
The duets mentioned above are excellent compositions, but they are neither very complicated nor challenging to play. So, that is what makes these pieces the best option for learners and beginners.
Every piece is distinct and unique in its way. If potential violinists have to pick one, it’s going to be a difficult choice for them. Thus, the best thing would be to go with a favorite composer.
