a suite of unaccompanied works for violoncello, viola, contrabass, and violin as featured in the semifinals of the 36th Annual Irving M. Klein International String Competition.
NOTE: Each solo lasts between 4-5 minutes. The entire suite runs 19 minutes. The solos may be programmed individually or as a set.
As of January 2024, the each of the Bagatelles has been updated to include a roman numeral and a subtitle. The original version of this suite was simply titled in the format Bagatelles for Strings, for solo [instrument] for each work.
Order Bagatelles for Strings and view perusal scores at the links below:
| Description | Instrumentation | Perusal Score | Buy Digital (PDF) Score | Buy Printed Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Suite (I – IV) | unaccompanied violoncello, viola, contrabass, and violin | (see below) | Add to Cart** | (Coming Soon) |
| I. Prelude | solo violoncello | View | Add to Cart | Add to Cart |
| II. “Rash” | solo viola | View | Add to Cart | Add to Cart |
| III. “Rubato – Driven – Grave” | solo contrabass | View | Add to Cart (Pre-Order**) | (Coming Soon) |
| IV. “Vibrantly – With Calm” | solo violin | View | Add to Cart | Add to Cart |
Looking for an arrangement?* Order that here:
| Description | Instrumentation | Perusal Score | Buy Digital (PDF) Score | Buy Printed Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. Prelude | solo viola | View | Add to Cart | Add to Cart |
*More arrangements are coming soon! Please email me if you are interested in having one or more of these works arranged for your stringed instrument.
**Bagatelles for Strings for solo double bass is on pre-order. This product is expected to be available by spring 2024. When you order the full set OR the solo for double bass, you will need to opt-in to product updates via email in order to get the PDF download of Bagatelles for Strings III when it is ready.
About Bagatelles for Strings:
When I compose, I typically approach the writing process as an opportunity for exploration. Often, this can take the form of improvising around a certain technique or set of techniques with a common theme in order to generate ideas.
In each of the Bagatelles for Strings, I became curious about the many ways in which stringed instruments can resonate naturally and create a fuller sound. For example, all of the works feature or emulate drones at one point or another, allowing the instruments to accompany themselves and explore the harmonies that result from them. Additionally, the Bagatelles written for cello and bass feature scordatura, or non-standard tunings, which cause the instruments to develop a new tone color altogether and make unusual harmonies all the more intriguing.
Bagatelles for Strings is dedicated to the young musical artists of the Irving M. Klein International String Competition, present, past and future.
– Sakari Dixon Vanderveer
Watch each of the 2021 Klein Competition Finalists perform the works for violin, viola, and cello, below.
Bagatelles for Strings IV. “Vibrantly – With Calm” for solo violin, performed by Grace Huh:
Bagatelles for Strings II. “Rash” for solo viola, performed by Yuchen Lu:
Bagatelles for Strings I. Prelude for solo cello, performed by William Tan:
Sakari Dixon Vanderveer 