FOLIO: Passacaglia

Written in 1897 by Norwegian composer Halvorsen, this Passacaglia is one of very few works of his that are commonly performed today. It is a virtuosic tour de force for violin and viola duo based on a theme by Handel. There are several alternate duet versions for strings including viola and cello, two cellos, and violin and cello. Because of multiple stops and constant playing in the string parts, three winds were needed to realize the piece successfully. Halvorsen was a student of Grieg, and his romantic style differs from anything originally composed for reed trio.