This is a delightful collection of well-known opera arias arranged with creative flair and an excellent knowledge of the instrument for two cellos. They would be approachable by advanced level students at around Grade 7 or 8 level, and equally stand well independently or as a complete set for recital performance.
They have been recorded by the arranger, Joanna Borrett, and Mark Bailey, and these can be purchased as a CD from Fedora Strings, or are available to listen to for free on the SJ Music Publications website. The recordings are stylishly done and of professional quality.
The collection is aptly named, as indeed these are all very well known arias: ‘The Toreador Song’ and ‘Habanera’ from Bizet's Carmen; ‘Che Gelida Manina’ (Your Tiny Hand is Frozen) from La bohème by Puccini; and ‘Non Più Andrai’ (Now Your Days of Philandering are Over) from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart. The arranger writes a lovely introduction to each song in the cover page.
‘Habanera’ has well-divided parts, giving each player some opportunity at melody and accompaniment. Various techniques are employed in the accompanying parts including left hand pizzicato and col legno. There is much scope for the melodic lines to be played out with full operatic aplomb!
‘The Toreador Song’ gives both players quite virtuosic opportunities, giving each a chance to be the principal singing voice. The bass line parts and counter melodies are well constructed, offering scope for shaping and articulation to craft these to support the melody. There is a pizzicato section for both players towards the end, giving a change of texture from the full-bodied earlier sections. A charming arrangement!
‘Che Gelida Manina’ is an extremely skilfully done arrangement, creating a duet of great beauty. An array of textures are employed, including tremolando, pizzicato and harmonics, offering a diversity of colouring to support the melodic line. A variety of rhythms are used including triplets and sextuplets in support of the longer notes of the melody. The parts are well distributed between the players, offering interest and challenge for both in equal measure. A very atmospheric creation.
‘Non Più Andrai’ fully captures the Classical style in an accessible yet challenging arrangement with an interesting array of opportunities for both players. This is a fun and comical piece, delivered in a way fully respectful of the stylistics of the period. Accompaniments use a range of devices including pizzicato; rhythmic patterns and running semiquaver lines. The key of C major is bright and easily accessible with both parts going up to around a high D.
A very worthwhile addition to the cello duet repertoire which could be enjoyed by students and professionals alike, and would undoubtedly be enjoyed by audiences in a range of settings.
