41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli)
| 41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 | |
|---|---|
| by Bartolomeo Campagnoli | |
| Genre | Caprices |
| Published | Breitkopf und Härtel c. 1815 |
| Duration | Approx. 1 hour 55 minutes |
| Movements | 41 |
| Scoring | Viola |
41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 is a seminal 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 cornerstone of viola pedagogy and is frequently utilized in both educational and performance contexts.[1]
Overview
Comprising 41 individual caprices, this collection addresses a comprehensive range of technical challenges pertinent to the viola. The caprices encompass various aspects of left-hand and bowing techniques, including scales, arpeggios, double stops, and complex bow strokes.[2] Notably, 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
While originally composed for unaccompanied viola, the caprices have been adapted for various instrumental combinations:
- 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, highlighting its musicality and suitability as a concert piece.
Discography
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
- ^ "41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli, Bartolomeo)". IMSLP. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
- ^ "41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli, Bartolomeo)". stringsmagazine.com. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
- ^ "41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli, Bartolomeo)" (PDF). ufpb.br. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
- ^ "41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli, Bartolomeo) - arrangement by Albert Tottmann (1837–1917)". IMSLP. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Global Music Awards". Retrieved 2024-07-05.