German Dance provides an accessible introduction to double stops and opportunities to produce a good spiccato bow stroke. For all instruments, except double bass, both parts are all in first position. For the double bass, the top part has a range of shifts to 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions while the lower part remains in 1st position.
A very effective piece to show off dynamic range and skill in providing a sense of both harmony and melody in an unaccompanied piece. Like most of the Waltzes in this collection, the form is A B A and the B section is in the minor. The other Waltzes are also worth exploring.
This lively piece features many celloistic techniques including slurs of various lengths, spiccato, scale patterns and double stops. It has a more lyrical middle section in the tonic major.
Tarantella is an ever-popular exam choice. It is recommended for ‘A’ level recitals.
There are rapid changes between styles: Lento, rubato/vivo and non rubato. There are different bowing techniques: long slurs and spiccato. There is some high position work in the treble clef.
A lively, rhythmic piece that merits work with the accompanist in order to secure good ensemble. Good in concerts.
Six Country Dances is an anthology of tunes from Playford’s ‘The English Dancing Master’ selected and arranged by Richard Rodney Bennett. Playford’s collection was first published in 1651 and contained 535 popular tunes for country dancing.
