The present cadenzas are intended for the three most frequently played viola concertos of the classical period. Apart from stylistic considerations the author was mainly concerned with creating improvisations to suit the character of the instrument and at the same time to stimulate joy of music making. For the 1st and 2nd movements of the Concerto by Carl Stamitz a choise of two cadenzas is offered. The first of these follows the example of Mozart's cadenzas whereas the second in its structure, modulations, and extent points to the extended forms to be found as early as 1800 (Cf. Beethoven's own cadenzas of 1809 for the piano transcription of his Violin Concerto. The cadenzas fror Zelter's Concerto (probably the composer's own) are played but rarely, and for this reason an alterative is given herewith. The author hopes that the publication of these cadenzas will not only fulfill a wish he has often heard expressed by viola players, but that they will also give them the incentive to make improvisations of their own. (Franz Beyer)
Solo Viola.
