15 Duets for Viola and Cello: Viola Book

Latham's curation of Baroque works gives viola and cello students genuine literature to perform together, rather than simplified exercises masquerading as music. The careful gradation of position work across the collection respects where each instrument sits developmentally while keeping both parts musically interesting.

Clean, unhurried, and dignified. These Baroque melodies breathe with the spaciousness of the period while the viola-cello pairing creates a warm, intimate sound that rewards careful listening.

Viola and cello students in early to intermediate stages who have solid intonation and are beginning to explore sustained ensemble playing. This book works equally well for private studio instruction and chamber music coaching in school settings.

• Balance the viola line forward in phrases where it carries the melody; the cello's lower register can easily dominate if the viola retreats dynamically.
• Mark any position shifts in both parts ahead of rehearsal so neither player is caught by surprise mid-phrase.
• Work the Baroque articulation patterns together first without worrying about tempo; once the style is unified, speed comes naturally.
• Use the original tempos as a starting point, but allow the acoustics of your space and the maturity of the players to guide final choices.

String chamber groups can program individual duets as concert openers or interludes between larger ensemble pieces. The collection also serves as a resource throughout the year for sight-reading practice and to build confidence in duet communication.

• Reading viola positions through 3rd position and recognizing cello position shifts through 4th
• Balancing volume and blend in a two-part ensemble context
• Interpreting Baroque articulation, phrasing, and ornamentation
• Coordinating intonation across different register changes within the same duet
• Building musical independence while listening to and responding to a single partner