William SHIELD (1748–1829) Complete Chamber Works, Vol. 3 Violin Duets, Opp. 1 and 2 The Dorrit Ensemble
William Shield’s early career as a violinist and violist took him to the centre of musical life in London where he became principal violinist of the Covent Garden theatre orchestra in 1773. The publication of the Violin Duets later that decade marked the launch of Shield’s success as a hugely popular composer. Each set of duets is neatly engineered, with many attractive details in the Italianate spirit of Op. 1. The Op. 2 set is more compact, developing arioso vocal styles, clever changes of texture, and folk elements such as hurdy-gurdy- This complete edition of William Shield’s complete chamber works was launched in October 2025 with his String Quartets, Op. 3 (8.574446), of which Pizzicato wrote that ‘The Dorrit Ensemble is at home in the music of this era… [and] performs these elegant and timelessly charming works with musical skill and subtle interpretations, allowing both the composer and the performers to be discovered with pleasure’. • British violinist Elizabeth Layton has served as soloist with orchestras such as the Philharmonia, BBC Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. She has given recitals at Wigmore Hall and the Southbank Centre, and festival appearances include Bath, Edinburgh, Harrogate, Cheltenham, Schleswig-Holstein and Gstaad. • like figurations. Key features: • Australian violinist Elizabeth Sellars is an accomplished artist whose playing is recognised for its nuanced tone, technical assurance and communicative integrity. Sellars has appeared as guest concertmaster and principal violin with numerous leading Australian orchestras. A dedicated chamber musician, she co-founded the Sutherland and Quercus Trios, as well as the Techniski Quartet, which won the inaugural Tunnell Trust and Royal Over-Seas League Ensemble Prize, and is first violinist of the Flinders Quartet.
8.574443
Playing time: 77:48 Release date: 13 Mar 2026
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Click to listen to Violin Duet in B flat major, Op. 1, No. 5: II. Allegro LISTEN
Tracklist
Violin Duets, Op. 1 (pub. 1778) Violin Duet in G major, Op. 1, No. 1
Violin Duets, Op. 2 (pub. c. 1779) Violin Duet in G major, Op. 2, No. 1
1 I. Allegro moderato 2 II. Amoroso
# I. Allegro $ II. Rondo: Affettuoso
Violin Duet in F major, Op. 1, No. 2
Violin Duet in A major, Op. 2, No. 2
3 I. Allegro moderato 4 II. Allegretto
% I. Adagio ^ II. Rondo: Allegretto
Violin Duet in E flat major, Op. 1, No. 3
Violin Duet in B flat major, Op. 2, No. 3
5 I. Allegro non tanto 6 II. Minuetto con variazione
& I. Allegro con spirito * II. Tempo di minuetto
Violin Duet in A major, Op. 1, No. 4
Violin Duet in D major, Op. 2, No. 4
7 I. Moderato 8 II. Rondeau: Tempo di minuetto
( I. Allegro moderato ) II. Allegretto
Violin Duet in B flat major, Op. 1, No. 5
Violin Duet in E flat major, Op. 2, No. 5
9 I. Con spirito 0 II. Allegro
¡ I. Adagio ™ II. Grazioso con variazioni
Violin Duet in D major, Op. 1, No. 6
Violin Duet in D minor, Op. 2, No. 6
! I. Moderato @ II. Rondeau: Tempo di minuetto
£ I. Canoni: Allegro ¢ II. Tempo di minuetto
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