William Shield - Complete Chamber Works, Vol. 3 (The Dorrit Ensemble)

Information

Composer: William Shield

1. Violin Duet in G Major, Op. 1 No. 1
2. Violin Duet in F Major, Op. 1 No. 2
3. Violin Duet in E-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 3
4. Violin Duet in A Major, Op. 1 No. 4
5. Violin Duet in B-Flat Major, Op. 1 No. 5
6. Violin Duet in D Major, Op. 1 No. 6
7. Violin Duet in G Major, Op. 2 No. 1
8. Violin Duet in A Major, Op. 2 No. 2
9. Violin Duet in B-Flat Major, Op. 2 No. 3
10. Violin Duet in D Major, Op. 2 No. 4
11. Violin Duet in E-Flat Major, Op. 2 No. 5
12. Violin Duet in D Minor, Op. 2 No. 6

The Dorrit Ensemble

    Elizabeth Layton, violin

    Elizabeth Sellars, violin

Date: 2026

Label: Naxos

_____________________

William Shield (1748–1829) began his career as a violinist and violist, eventually becoming principal violinist of the Covent Garden theatre orchestra in London in 1773. His growing reputation as a composer emerged later that decade with the publication of his Violin Duets, which became widely popular. These works demonstrate careful craftsmanship and musical charm, particularly in the Italianate style of the Op. 1 set. The later Op. 2 duets are more concise and show greater stylistic variety, incorporating lyrical, vocal-inspired melodies, inventive textural contrasts, and folk-like elements, including passages reminiscent of the sound of the hurdy-gurdy.

The Dorrit Ensemble is a chamber music group dedicated to performing repertoire ranging from the early Classical period to contemporary works, with a particular interest in presenting previously unrecorded music. Based at the Elder Conservatorium at the University of Adelaide, its core members are lecturers Elizabeth Layton and Edith Salzmann, joined on recordings by Caroline Henbest and Elizabeth Sellars. The ensemble also collaborates with distinguished Australian and New Zealand musicians for various projects. Since 2019, the Dorrit Ensemble has performed regularly across Australia and New Zealand, appearing with major chamber music organizations and at international festivals, and working alongside many prominent musicians in the global chamber music community.