Few of Johann Halvorsen’s compositions have managed to withstand the test of time, but his Passacaglia has remained one of the most widely-performed string duos in the chamber music repertoire. The theme is from the final movement of Handel’s Harpsichord Suite in G Minor, and the virtuosic work is often dually attributed to Halvorsen and the Baroque giant.
Although originally written for a violin and viola, it is also performed with the deeper cello acting as the anchoring bass instrument.
A total of 12 variations comprise the work, and, though Handel’s original contained 15, Halvorsen extended the Baroque work in total length, breadth, and flair, drawing heavily upon his own prodigious expertise as a violinist.
The piece is technically challenging for both performers, showing off a wide range of techniques, tempos, colors, and atmospheres.
Here are Inmo Yang violin, and Richard Jongjae O’Neill, viola, as they play this great piece for you:
