Hoffmeister / Szucs / Anima Musicae Chamber Orch Classical Viola Concertos CD

A mere dozen or so printed viola concertos are known of from the Viennese Classical era, contrasting with countless violin, cello, and flute concertos. There can be only one explanation for this: there were relatively few players available of truly virtuoso ability. Alongside two emblematic viola concertos of the time, those by Hoffmeister and Stamitz, this album includes the 1802 transcription for viola of Mozart's A major clarinet concerto. "The transcription of Mozart's masterpiece is a real gift for violists, and even with the alterations obviously necessary to convert it for the viola, it remains a marvelous piece. Hopefully it can in future be chosen as an excellent alternative to the concertos by Hoffmeister and Stamitz at viola auditions." (Mate Szucs)