Sixteen Duos: Recorder Book

Bergmann understood the recorder duet from both a player's and teacher's perspective, writing pieces that sound genuinely musical while building real skills. These sixteen duos work equally well in lessons, rehearsals, or informal ensemble playing, giving students rewarding material that doesn't feel like an exercise.

The collection spans a range of musical characters and textures, from contrapuntal interactions to passages where one voice carries the melody while the other provides harmonic support. Each duo feels complete and intentional rather than perfunctory, rewarding careful listening and balanced playing.

These duos serve intermediate to advancing recorder students who are ready to play with a partner and expand their ensemble experience. They work equally well for one-on-one lessons, group classes, or informal duet partnerships where students want substantial, musically satisfying material.

• Balance the two parts so neither dominates; listen carefully for blend and adjust dynamic weight as the melody line shifts between players.
• Work independently on each part before combining, paying special attention to articulation patterns that distinguish one line from the other.
• Treat phrase endings with sensitivity; releasing together and breathing in sync will strengthen ensemble cohesion across all sixteen pieces.
• Record yourselves regularly and listen back to identify spots where rhythmic alignment wavers or intonation needs adjustment.

Select individual duos for student recitals or informal performances, pairing them with solo repertoire or other chamber works. You can also use them as the foundation for a duet-focused unit in group lessons, working through several pieces over a semester to deepen ensemble skills.

• Reading two independent melodic lines simultaneously
• Maintaining rhythmic stability while listening to a partner
• Balancing volume and tone between two equal voices
• Coordinating breathing and phrasing in an ensemble context
• Intonation adjustment when playing with another instrument