Bas Egberts, ARCO, European String Teachers Association

What I like about this book is that apart form the 'melodic' improvisations, attention has gone into other sorts of improvisations. For example the atmospheric improvisation in the third duet. Effects such as  tremolo, ponticello and glissandi are used to create a winter landscape. And from these cold and misty sounds the rest of the duet emerges.

The sixth duet is on the other hand a very rythmic piece. 'Grate' sounds and col legno are used to achieve a more  'funky' character. With a bit of imagination the 'grate' notes could sound like the 'scratching' used by DJs and rappers.

The improvisations can be be as difficult as the imagination and technique of the student(s) will allow. The composed parts of duets are suitable for pupils who command the first position well and for those who have made a start on the third position. Some knowledge of keys is handy but for most of the improvisations is not strictly necessary.

All in all this book is very suitable for the viola lesson. Not only do students learn to improvise in a playful way, they also get an insight into keys, the structure of pieces and into creating atmospheres by using certain effects. And above all, 'A Bunch of violas' is just a really nice duet book!

A Bunch of Violas, duets for viola
Viola duets with improvisation

What makes this book different from other duets is the addition of improvisational sections within the music itself. These are not Pop or Jazz improvisations but mostly simple improvisations often over repeated bars. In general, one instrument plays a supporting role whilst the other can experiment with melodic adventures over the top.

'All in all this book is very suitable for the viola lesson. Not only do students learn to improvise in a playful way, they also get an insight into keys, the structure of pieces and into creating atmospheres by using certain effects. And above all, 'A Bunch of violas' is just a really nice duet book!'
European String Teachers Association NL