Staar, René: Gemini A

The first volume of the Gemini Duos by René Staar contains some the most unusual settings in classical music. The obligatory part in all of these 15 pieces is the violin, while the other part is always played by another instrument. Unusual instrumental combinations such as violin and saxophone or violin and tuba appear in this cycle, whose common features consist of harmonic processes that combine two four-part chords and enthralling rhythmic organization. Harmonic, melodic and rhythmic permutations and rotations permeate these pieces that were written for exceptional performers, since the composer conceived them for concertmasters and principal wind players of the Vienna Philharmonic, as well as soloists and professors of various music academies. These dialogues full of character are not just challenging chamber music, but can also be used as study material for highly gifted aspiring musicians.