Composer: David Braid
Model: DO 1646
Instrumentation: Guitar and viola
Level: Intermediate
32 pages + separate parts
Publisher: Doberman
I write a lot of duos, especially with the guitar as one of the instruments.
Initially this motivation had its root in my time as a student wanting to play with a range of other instruments only to find a repertoire of around 30 pieces (not all of them that good either).
What keeps me going with this now is the constant discovery of how a guitar really flourishes and contributes when in consort with one other non-related instrument, especially a melodic one such as the violin, viola, clarinet, voice, or horn, etc.
Arguably this flourishing is as powerful as it is when playing solo, possibly even more so in fact - as one has more freedom, when not having to cover every single accompanying musical factor (which is necessary when playing alone of course).
This enables the player (both players actually) to take off and enjoy their parts with less worry or technical concern, in the same way a singer can really throw themselves into their interpretation/phrasing when not having to worry about doing the accompaniment themselves.
I feel, even now after writing over 100 such duos that I’ve hardly really started and can see infinite possibilities ahead (many more of these to come!).
The six pieces in this set were written around the end-2025/start-2026 and reflect the fresh look at one’s life that a new year can bring, or help to amplify.
As with all my work - the titles are only suggestive rather than prescriptive. I hope that the music means to you whatever it is that you find within it.
Movements
1. Year’s End
2. New Year
3. Pause-return
4. Moment
5. To New Life
6. Arrival
