Nicolò Paganini, the famous violin virtuoso, was a keen admirer of Alessandro Rolla, the composer of these duets, and often mentioned him in his letters.
Compositional Technique
These duets require "Paganinian technical virtuosity" from both performers, with the violin and viola intertwining in acrobatic passages of dazzling skill.
Notable Performances
The great Nicolò Paganini is known to have performed some of Alessandro Rolla's duets in private concerts in Dresden with Rolla's son, Antonio.
Composer Biography
Alessandro Rolla, the composer of these duets, was described by contemporary reports as "the creator of the viola sound" and "the most famous viola virtuoso of Europe."
Compositional Technique
In Duet No. 3, Alessandro Rolla's mastery is shown in writing double-stop passages that imitate the full sound of a string quartet.
Composition History
The three Duetti Concertanti Op. 15 by Alessandro Rolla are considered among his most brilliant works for violin and viola duo.
Compositional Technique
Alessandro Rolla incorporated themes from contemporary operas into these duets, including an aria from Giacomo Meyerbeer's Margherita d'Anjou and a romance by Michele Carafa.
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