The repertoire for violin and viola duets is not huge. Mozart set the benchmark with his wonderful pair of duets. Other classical composers like Kalliwoda and Pleyel added some worthwhile works but there’s not been much until now that is out and out fun. Aleksey Igudesman has filled that gap in no uncertain terms. More Violin & Viola & More gives us ten duets in the unmistakable Igudesman style. Ranging from fairly simply through to downright virtuosic, we have some of his original compositions and quirky arrangements of well-known pieces like “Danny Boy” and “Twinkle, Twinkle”. We visit Klezmer, Salsa, Celtic and the Waltz.

Aleksey is known on stage as a violinist and comedian but not as a viola player. Despite that, the international violist, Timothy Ridout, is quoted as being “completely in awe” of his writing for the instrument, “perfectly capturing its many characteristics”. Don’t forget to try Aleksey’s previous collection of duets, Violin & Viola & More. A little less technically demanding than the current publication but just as much fun!

Traditional: Danny Boy
Igudesman Aleksey: Pizzicato Waltz
W. A. Mozart / A. Igudesman: Twinkle, Twinkle You Big Star
W. A. Mozart / A. Igudesman: Loud Date and Domino
Anonymous: Klezmer's Freilach
Igudesman Aleksey: Salsa de la luna
Traditional: My Bonnie Flies Over the Ocean
Igudesman Aleksey: In the Moonlight
Igudesman Aleksey: For a Lease
Igudesman Aleksey: Double Trouble