A real treasure trove in the scarce Romantic viola literature: Vol. 1 (Schott, ED 22254) of the popular Pièces des concours series are now followed by Vol. 2 (ED 22255) and Vol. 3 (ED 22256).The pieces were performed in final examinations at the famous Conservatoire de Paris between 1897 and 1969. The publication is based on the first editions. In order to make it easier to approach the works, 'modern' fingerings and common bowing instructions were added to the pieces so that they can be played at sight.Vol. 2 contains pieces by Stan Golestan, Eugène Cools, Philippe Gaubert, and Gabriel Grovlez.Further pieces:Vol. 1 with pieces by Charles-Edouard Lefebvre, Paul Rougnon, Henri Marteau, and Léon HonnoréVol. 3 with works by Hans Sitt, Heinrich Arends and Léon Firket / Alto Et Piano

The Bohemian composer Jan K titel Va hal/Johann Baptist Vanhal (1739 1813) settled in Vienna around 1763. There he wrote several concertos for various instruments of which two for Viola have survived. Both are evidently not original compositions but arrangements by Va hal of some of his own works a common practice of that time. The Viola Concerto In C Major is based on Va hal's Cello concerto in the same key.Barenreiter's new revised edition makes this Concerto available once again. The solo part contains cadenzas for each movement.Performance material is available for hire.