My friend is coming on holiday with me and my family, and we're both taking our violins... (how sad are we ) and we need to find some duets for us to do! Wondering if you have any suggestions? I looked on sibeliusmusic.com but couldn't really find anything and i don't really know where to look to be honest. The only duet i know is the bach double

Btw - im grade 8 and she's grade 7

I think there are some by Mozart, but maybe rather easy.
They are certainly published for 2 recorders, but can be played on the violins.
On holday a few years ago they had two violinists playing in the restaurant, and they played some of them.

There are loads out there - perhaps have a browse of an online sheet music catalogue such as Fuller Music's one (they do a mail order service and are extremely helpful). I like the 2 violin version of Mozart's Magic Flute and, just for fun, a book of Scott Joplin rags arranged for 2 violins! There's plenty of repertoire, both original and arrangements, so have fun with it!

Does that matter? If it's about having fun then something not too challenging to overlay the parts on is a lot more enjoyable.

Look for oboe or flute duets, of which there are plenty.

Amongst the more challenging duets written specifically for violin, are those by Mazas (at least 4 books of them), Pleyel (one or two books - the 2nd violin part being a rearrangement of what was a piano accompaniment so lots of double and triple stops), and Viotti (at least 4 books of these) and Bach (these are actually very difficult to play). Do not be fooled by the words 'Easy' or 'Elementary' in the title of any of these composers violin duets... to do them justice they require at least Grade 6+ in playing standard!

Chappells and Schott Music in London will stock most of them. If you order before 11.30 in the morning from Chappells, your music will be in the post 1st class on the same day.

Daughter and I are currently romping through a Mozart book of violin+viola duets. are you taking the viola too?

Go and have a browse in a good music shop - and take some folk fiddle ideas with you too!

Have fun,
M

There is a set of flute duets from the Magic Flute that would sound pretty good on violins. On flute/oboe they're about grade 7 so probably about right?

Mazas and Pleyel have written nice duets. They might be a bit easy for you but then you could use them for performance practice (ie give the locals a recital) Playing them 'up to speed' would be good sightreading practice at least.

My teacher and I sit in the garden and play them (and have tea and cake) We have an audience of dogs, rabbits and Highland Cattle who don't look exactly unimpressed... that's if they have any expression at all!

Thanks guys I'll have a look for all of those