The Kreutzer Sonata & More

Beethoven - The Kreutzer Sonata (arranged for string quintet)

Beethoven was never completely satisfied with the work as a violin sonata and felt it needed more instruments to achieve the dramatic effect for which he was looking and this rarely performed string quintet version of the Kreutzer Sonata is believed to have been written by Beethoven himself.

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Handel/Halvorsen - Passacaglia

The Passacaglia with its dual attribution to Handel and Halvorsen is a famous virtuoso piece for violin and cello (or violin and viola) based on the finale movement from the harpsichord suite in G minor by Georg Frideric Handel.

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Beethoven - Eyeglasses Duo for Viola and Cello

This strangely-titled Duo was written by Beethoven in 1796 but wasn't published until 1912. It was discovered partially incomplete in one of his sketchbooks without any dynamics or articulation markings, giving performers more freedom when interpreting it. This piece is a brilliant showcase of a comedic side more commonly associated with Joseph Haydn.

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Kodály - Intermezzo for String Trio

The Intermezzo for String Trio dates from around 1905, about the time time he began his travels to collect folk melody. It abounds with the sounds of real Hungarian folk tunes and the one movement Intermezzo is in the character of a relaxed serenade.