The well known Minuet from the Anna Madgalena Notebook gives lots of practice playing up a D major scale using 1st and 3rd positions. It also provides opportunities to develop the Minuet down-up-up bowing and other simple bowing patterns within a 3/4 time signature.
The 7/8 Calypso melody is wonderfully catchy. Viola 3 is the easiest of the parts. All require good use of hooked bows and a strong rhythm. There is a pizzicato section in the middle. The range lies within 1st position for all parts.
Viola 1 can be played on the violin and there are many more good trios and quartets in this album.
A Blues-style piece with an easy open string plus first finger lower part which would be ideal for a violinist learning the alto clef. The upper part is all in first position but with chromatic movement for both 1st and 2nd fingers. Ties and syncopation feature within a 12/8 time signature.
Volume 1 of ViolaFest is full of useful duets, trios and quartets and there is a second volume.
A lively Rococo dance, requiring varying articulation and rhythmic precision including off-beat entries and hemiolas. Featuring all positions from 1st to 4th, and momentarily 5th.
A lively, engaging piece in contemporary style. Rhythmically straightforward apart from one dotted rhythm, it features both hooked bows and quick retakes. It is in first position throughout, using both basic finger patterns.
