This is a brilliant piece for developing a really strong sound, both in forte and piano. Also for always using long bows. The tonality takes a while to get used to, but this movement is really good for cementing good shitfting technique and listening skills. The piano reduction is by Hans Heinz Schneeberger
This arrangement is for 4 solo violas accompanied by an orchestra of violas, in four parts. The solo parts are grades 6-8 while the ‘orchestral’ parts are grades 4-6. Some of the solo parts go up to 5th position. Players need good listening skills and know when to play down so that the solo parts can be heard. There is lots of trill practice and any performance will benefit from clean articulation.
There are 6 movements in this concerto gross and all parts gets the tune at some point. All parts shift out of first position and there is some use of 4th position.
The first and third movements are good for fast, rhythmic playing. The middle movement is good for rhythm, understanding of very short notes and bow control. Good for exploring positions up to 5th position. There are editions published by Peters and it is also in Suzuki book 4.
When you hear the first movement of Pichl’s Concerto in C it is hard not to ask whether he was influenced by Haydn’s Concerto in C for cello or the other way round. The opening themes are remarkably similar and the harmonic journey through the movements also feels somewhat related. There is no published cadenza but something will be needed to bridge the pause into the final tutti.
