

Duo-Album for Violin and Cello (Kunzelmann) composed by Charles Dancla. Charles Dancla was born in Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Dancla was nine when the violinist Pierre Rode heard Dancla's music. Rode was so impressed that he sent recommendation letters to Pierre Baillot, Rodolphe Kreutzer, and Luigi Cherubini. Following this, Dancla became a student at Paris conservatoires with Baillot for violin and with the opera composer Fromental Halévy for composition. He was strongly influenced by Niccolò Paganini, after hearing him in 1830, along with Henri Vieuxtemps. From 1835, Dancla was solo violinist in the Paris opera, and he became concert master soon after. In 1857, he was made a Professor at the Paris conservatoires, where he was a successfully taught for over 35 years. He died in Tunis. His two brothers were Arnaud Dancla (1819-1862), cellist and author of a cello teaching method, and Leopold Dancla (1822-1895), violinist and chamber music composer.
The Wild West and contemporary US composers inspired this piece. It has an idiomatic cowboy feel, with lively lines and a pleasing middle section. The outer sections have a dynamic ensemble energy, and there are opportunities for bowing techniques and position work.
Keith Sharp earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1984. He's been a string educator in Brisbane since then, creating award-winning programs and compositions. His works are popular in Australia and internationally. Keith is also a clinician, guest conductor, and guest lecturer.