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Beginning Fiddle Duets for Two Cellos, Book One

by Myanna Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello, Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Beginning Fiddle Duets for Two Cellos, Book One
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Beginning Fiddle Duets for Two Cellos, Book One gives cellists exciting music to play right from the start of their studies. No more slow, boring duets that don't sound recognizable; these fiddle and folk tunes are energetic and melodic, with harmonies that will have you eagerly turning to the next page. Playable by a student and teacher or by two students, the first cello part (top) is entirely in closed first position, while the second part (bottom) includes some extended first position. Beginning Fiddle Duets is a fun end to any cello lesson or addition to a practice session. Invite your cello-playing friends over and try these out! Please note: this book is not compatible with the other instrument books in the series.

Technical overview

These fun fiddle duets for beginner cellists work on note-reading, rhythm, and more.

Level rubric

Late Beginner

Left Hand

  • Mostly 1st position with small extensions.
  • Early shifting to 2nd/3rd positions.
  • Controlled vibrato on sustained notes.

Right Hand

  • Expanded bow technique for faster passages & wider dynamics.
  • Longer slurs (3–4 notes).
  • Hooked bowing for dotted rhythms.
  • Practice basic martelé accents.
  • Increase speed in string crossings with minimal arm movement.

Bow Strokes

  • Standard détaché; add staccato, martelé, short slurs, hooked strokes.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Incorporate dotted figures, compound meters (6/8), triplets & syncopation.
  • Develop subdivision sense; introduce rubato in small measures.
  • Slightly longer phrases.
  • Introduce basic dynamic shading.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.