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41 Caprices for Viola

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22
by Bartolomeo Campagnoli
GenreCaprices
PublishedBreitkopf und Härtel c. 1815
DurationApprox. 1 hour 55 minutes
Movements41
ScoringViola

41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 is a collection of caprices for solo viola composed by Italian violinist and composer Bartolomeo Campagnoli (1751–1827). Published around 1815 by Breitkopf & Härtel in Leipzig, this work remains a staple of viola pedagogy and is frequently utilized in both educational and performance contexts.[1]

The caprices encompass various aspects of left-hand and bowing techniques, including scales, arpeggios, double stops, and complex bow strokes.[2] Many of them feature a slow introduction leading into a faster section, facilitating the development of legato phrasing and expressive playing. These characteristics have led to comparisons with the violin études-caprices of Kreutzer and Fiorillo.[3]

Arrangements

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While originally conceived for solo viola, the work is also performed in versions for viola and piano:

  • Karl Albert Tottmann (1837–1917), created a piano accompaniment for the entire collection, enhancing its suitability for performance in concert settings, and published in 1900 by Henry Litolff's Verlag.[4][5]
  • Grażyna Bacewicz arranged Caprice No. 17, a theme with variations in E minor, for viola and piano.

Discography

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Italian violist Marco Misciagna recorded the complete set in 2022, performing the arrangement for viola and piano by Tottmann. This album, released by Brilliant Classics, received two Gold Medals at the 2024 Global Music Awards in La Jolla, California, under the categories of Best Classical Album and Best Duo Performance.[6][7]

References

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  1. "41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli, Bartolomeo)". IMSLP. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  2. "41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli, Bartolomeo)". stringsmagazine.com. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  3. "41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli, Bartolomeo)" (PDF). ufpb.br. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  4. "41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli, Bartolomeo) - arrangement by Albert Tottmann (1837–1917)". IMSLP. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  5. "Campagnoli: 41 Caprices for Viola Op.22, arranged for Viola & Piano by Carl Albert Tottmann - Marco Misciagna, viola - Brilliant Classics". www.brilliantclassics.com (in Dutch). Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  6. "Campagnoli: 41 Caprices for Viola Op.22, arranged for Viola & Piano by Carl Albert Tottmann - Marco Misciagna, viola - Brilliant Classics". www.brilliantclassics.com (in Dutch). Retrieved 2023-03-14.
  7. "Global Music Awards". Retrieved 2024-07-05.

See also

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