Folk Arrangements for String Duets

Violin and Cello Duet

A violin and cello duet can use my folk music harmony parts in a way that most other groups cannot. As the texture is not very dense, it means that the cello can play the higher harmonies without the music becoming “muddy”, as it might if the cello played these parts in a larger group.

The cellist can either pick their favourite part and play only that part, for a simple arrangement (the bass line is the most obvious choice, for the most traditional-sounding violin and cello duet). A cellist who wants to be more adventurous can use the “all bass clef” score, and switch between any of the parts provided, to accompany the violinist.

The violinist, of course, will usually be playing the melody, but may want to use the harmony parts in treble clef if there is a more complex arrangement in which the melody is omitted for one time through the tune.

There is a larger collection of sheet music for folk violin and cello duets on my folk cello site.

Violin and Viola Duet

A violin and viola duet operates in exactly the same way as the violin and cello duet as described above – but the viola player should play from the “all alto clef” score if they want to switch between different parts.

Two Violins

A violin duet can be very adventurous, with both players using the “all treble clef” score and taking turns in playing the melody or different harmony parts. Alternatively, for a simple violin duet, one violinist can use the “melody” part, and the other can pick any of the parts in treble clef. Harmony 1 often works the best.