Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1891 - 1892

Average_duration

:

5:30

Jean Sibelius composed his 'Duo, for violin & viola in C major, JS 66' in 1887. The piece premiered in Helsinki, Finland, on December 8, 1891, with Sibelius himself playing the violin and his brother Christian playing the viola. The piece consists of three movements: Allegro moderato, Adagio di molto, and Allegro. The first movement, Allegro moderato, begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the violin. The viola then enters with a counter-melody, and the two instruments engage in a playful dialogue throughout the movement. Sibelius employs a variety of techniques, including pizzicato and double stops, to create a rich and varied texture. The second movement, Adagio di molto, is a slow and mournful piece that showcases the expressive capabilities of the violin and viola. Sibelius uses long, sustained notes and delicate phrasing to create a sense of longing and melancholy. The movement builds to a powerful climax before fading away into a quiet and introspective coda. The final movement, Allegro, is a lively and upbeat piece that brings the duo to a rousing conclusion. Sibelius employs a variety of rhythmic and melodic motifs, including a playful pizzicato section, to create a sense of joy and celebration. The movement ends with a virtuosic display of technique from both the violin and viola. Overall, Sibelius' 'Duo, for violin & viola in C major, JS 66' is a charming and engaging piece that showcases the composer's skill at writing for string instruments. The piece is notable for its playful dialogue between the violin and viola, as well as its expressive and emotional second movement.

More....