Flexible Bach: Duets for Viola: Viola, Duo, Book

Lynne Latham's extraction of duets from Bach's English Suites gives you material that reads cleanly while maintaining the contrapuntal integrity that makes Bach irreplaceable in string curricula. The cross-book compatibility means you can assemble ensembles on the fly, turning a standalone viola part into a flexible rehearsal and performance tool.

Bach's dance rhythms move with grace even in two-part texture. The viola sits comfortably in its range, neither fighting the treble instrument above nor sinking into the bass; there's a balance and clarity that feels professional without overstepping the grade 3 level.

Viola students at the intermediate level who are ready to tackle multi-part reading and ensemble responsibility. This book suits classroom use where flexibility matters, and works equally well for small group coaching or for students preparing chamber repertoire.

• Establish which student takes part 1 before rehearsal begins. Since the treble instrument leads in mixed groupings, clarify the role early so both players understand the musical hierarchy and can balance accordingly.
• Tune carefully at the start of each rehearsal. Bach's voice leading makes intonation flaws obvious; clean unisons and thirds will reveal exactly where the ensemble's tuning sits.
• Shape the phrases as if they were independent melodic lines rather than harmonic filler. Even in the lower part, Bach gives you rhythmic and contour clues that suggest where breath and articulation belong.
• Pair this with the corresponding violin or cello book for trio arrangements during ensemble classes. The interchangeability is the real gift of this series.

Include these duets in a unit on Baroque style where students encounter the English Suite repertoire across multiple instruments. They also work beautifully as sight-reading warm-ups at the top of rehearsals, building fluency without requiring separate learning time.

• Reading and performing two-part counterpoint
• Maintaining independence while listening to a simultaneous line
• Accurate intonation in thirds and unisons
• Balancing melodic responsibility between parts
• Sight-reading facility in moderate tempo and moderate textures