15 Viola Duets: Viola Book

Latham has assembled a collection that draws from the Baroque masters without requiring students to navigate the technical demands that often accompany this repertoire. The duet format keeps both players engaged equally, and the choice of these three composers gives students genuine literature to study rather than simplified exercises dressed up as music.

The collection captures the elegance and clarity of Baroque dialogue. Two violas create a warm, unified texture in unison passages, then separate into counterpoint that feels conversational rather than competitive. The familiar language of Bach, Handel, and Telemann rewards careful listening and thoughtful phrasing.

Violists in upper-elementary and middle school programs who are ready for Baroque literature but still building facility above third position. These duets work equally well for private studio teachers pairing two students of similar ability.

• Balance the two viola parts by listening for blend in the lower register; duets often expose imbalance that larger ensembles mask.
• Study the Baroque articulation style specific to each composer. Bach favors longer phrases; Handel and Telemann often use shorter, more dance-like gestures.
• Rehearse slowly enough to secure intonation between the two violas before adding tempo; the C clef can shift attention away from tuning details.
• Mark bowings together before the first rehearsal so both players execute the same strokes in parallel passages.

Pair these duets with your Latham Music string duet series for mixed-instrument combos (pairing two violas with two violins, two cellos, or any combination). They are sturdy concert openers or encore material and require minimal rehearsal time once students know the individual parts.

• Reading viola clef with secure pitch recognition through third position
• Baroque articulation and phrasing conventions
• Listening and balancing in a two-part ensemble
• Playing in octaves and simple two-part counterpoint
• Intonation matching between similar-sounding instruments