Reinhold Moritzevich Glière (Jan. 11, 1875 - June 23, 1956) was a Russian/Soviet composer and violinist born in Kiev, of German-Polish descent. Son of a wind instrument maker, Glière's father noticed his son's talent, and enrolled him in the Kiev School of Music, where he played violin. In 1894 he entered the Moscow Conservatory, and graduated in 1900, after composing a one act opera entitled "Earth and Heaven", and winning a compositional prize for it. Glière would later go on to teach in many conservatories, including those of Kiev and Moscow, where he had several prominent students, including Serge Prokofiev.

Glière wrote for many genres; operas, symphonies, and various instrumental combinations for chamber music, such as his 8 Pieces for Violin and Cello. Other instruments like to borrow this work as well, as it transfers easily, and one of the most common combinations is for viola and double bass, or violin and bass. Often a double bassist will pick just four or five of the movements, and play those as a suite (the video below includes movements one, two, three, and five). The movements are labeled Prelude, Gavotte and Musette, Cradle Song, Canzonetta, Intermezzo, Impromptu, Scherzo, and Etude, and none last more than three minutes. The Prelude starts off mysteriously; the violin (or viola) part comes in on pulsating eighth notes while the cello (or double bass) plays a hauntingly melody which the violin repeats as well. The Gavotte and Musette are prim and proper sounding, as if right out of the Baroque or Classical eras. The Lullaby is tender, with the cello (double bass) part playing an ostinato of sorts while the violin (viola) plays a sweet, peaceful melody above. The Canzonetta is similar to the previous movement, and the violin (viola) part is deeply passionate, and intense. The Intermezzo is a short waltz,  followed by the Impromptu, in an intense, somber work, as if in memoriam. The Scherzo is lively and filled with syncopations which give it an interesting drive, and the final movement Etude is a wild ride. Both instruments play incredibly fast sixteenth notes throughout the piece before ending of a quiet and cheeky set of pizzicatos.

Here is a recording of this wonderful piece for you to enjoy!

Glière: Complete Duets with Cello