Phos Hilaron is a duet for violin and cello. A short, single-movement work, it takes a ninth-century plainchant as the subject of a mini-theme-and-variations. The “Phos Hilaron” (Greek for “Gracious Light”) was the evening call to prayer for the Vespers or Evensong services. In this piece, the theme is first stated entirely in the cello and then altered and passed back and forth between the two instruments. A quiet and meditative piece, Phos Hilaron attempts to capture the gentle call to evening prayer.
Appropriate for intermediate levels on cello and violin. There is a difficult harmonics passage in the violin, though this can be played at pitch instead if too difficult for the player.
Ordering
Phos Hilaron
Phos Hilaron is a duet for violin and cello. A short, single-movement work, it takes a ninth-century plainchant as the subject of a mini-theme-and-variations. The “Phos Hilaron” (Greek for “Gracious Light”) was the evening call to prayer for the Vespers or Evensong services. In this piece, the theme is first stated entirely in the cello and then altered and passed back and forth between the two instruments. A quiet and meditative piece, Phos Hilaron attempts to capture the gentle call to evening prayer.
Appropriate for intermediate levels on cello and violin. There is a difficult harmonics passage in the violin, though this can be played at pitch instead if too difficult for the player.