The Passacaglia by Johan Halvorsen is a musical masterpiece full of virtuosity and emotional depth; in an exciting manner, it blends Handel’s Baroque style with Halvorsen’s Romantic tonal language. The composition, written in 1893, is already available in the original setting for violin and viola as an Urtext edition (HN 1670) from G. Henle Publishers. In the artful arrangement by Michael Press, the virtuoso dialogue on a theme by Handel now unfolds between violin and violoncello. A thrilling experience for audience and musicians alike! It is no wonder that the richly diverse series of variations has gladly been embraced also in this form by leading musicians – and it also offers a rewarding challenge for students and advanced amateurs!