In the last recital of the RDS autumn series it was a rare treat to have a programme devoted to duets for violin and viola. Michael d'Arcy shone in Spohr's Duet in E minor, Op.13; it is the kind of piece which confines the viola to accompanying figures and does not require equal partners. Far more interesting and exciting were Martinu's Three Madri- gals: the parts interlocked so that one could not be conceived without the other. The parts sounded as if they had been composed simultaneously: Michael d'Arcy and Rachel Walker conveyed the impression of a surge of inspiration.

In Eric Sweeney's Strings in the earth and air (1988) the melody and minimalist accompaniment alternated in the parts so that interest moved from violin to viola and back and the tessituras frequently overlapped: the contrasts were quite intriguing.

Mozart's Duo in B flat, K 424 allots a lot of accompaniment to the viola, but unlike Spohr he makes it significant; and in the final Theme and Variations, both instruments challenge each other, as it were, to greater flights. The two players attained regions of feeling not found in the superficially more complex works of the other composers.

The recital ended with a Passacaglia of Handel's, arranged by Halvorsen. This colourful and ingenious arrangement united ancient and modern times and was played with obvious enjoyment, an enjoyment shared with the audience.