Gyula Dávid’s Viola Concerto is a major work by a minor master. It is a piece that deserves to be rescued from the footnotes of music history. Thanks to the democratizing power of IMSLP, the barrier to entry has been removed.
For the violist tired of the same old repertoire, or the listener looking for a "new" 20th-century masterpiece, the search bar is open. Gyula Dávid is waiting.
The Viola Concerto by Hungarian composer Gyula Dávid (1913–1977) is a significant work in the 20th-century viola repertoire, known for blending the spirit of Hungarian folk music with a modern orchestral language.
While there is no dedicated page for this specific work on IMSLP (it is still under copyright in many regions), the full score and piano reduction are published by Editio Musica Budapest (EMB). Musical Style & Composition
Dávid was a student of Zoltán Kodály and was a professional violist himself, which contributes to the work's idiomatic writing for the instrument.
Hungarian Influence: Although Dávid rarely quoted folk tunes directly, the "spirit" of Hungarian musical tradition—characterized by specific rhythmic gestures and melodic inflections—is woven throughout the piece.
Tonal Language: Composed in 1950 (published in 1952), the concerto predates Dávid's later shift toward atonal and twelve-tone music. It maintains a largely tonal but harmonically advanced palette typical of the post-Bartók/Kodály generation. Structure & Movements The concerto follows a standard three-movement structure: I. Allegro moderato: Sets a serious yet energetic tone.
II. Andante molto tranquillo: A lyrical, introspective movement that highlights the "reflective" nature of the viola.
III. Vivace: A virtuosic finale requiring high technical agility. Available Resources Gyula David Viola Concerto Imslp
Sheet Music: You can find the piano reduction and full score at retailers like Ficks Music and Stretta Music.
Analysis: A detailed Level VI analysis (7 pages) by Ross Hamilton is available for purchase at MusicAnalysis.com.au.
Recordings: The work has been recorded by prominent Hungarian violists and is often paired with the Bartók Viola Concerto in collections. If you are looking to perform this piece, Go to product viewer dialog for this item. David - Concerto for Viola/Piano
Viola Concerto (1950) by Hungarian composer Gyula Dávid (1913–1977) is one of the most prominent works for the instrument from the mid-20th century
. While it is widely studied by violists, it is not currently available for free download on
due to copyright restrictions; it remains under copyright in the European Union and the United States until at least 70 years after the composer's death (approx. 2048). Historical and Artistic Context Gyula Dávid was a student of Zoltán Kodály
and was a violist himself, performing with several orchestras in Budapest between 1938 and 1945. This professional background provided him with an intimate understanding of the viola’s unique tonal qualities and technical capabilities. Universal Music Publishing Editio Musica Budapest Musical Style
: The concerto belongs to Dávid’s "first period," which was heavily influenced by Hungarian folk music, Gregorian chant, and Renaissance polyphony. Unlike his later atonal and twelve-tone serial works, this concerto is known for its lyricism and traditional Hungarian spirit. Composition : Completed in , the work was published in 1952 by Editio Musica Budapest cafeinsainto.fr Work Structure and Instrumentation The concerto is originally scored for solo viola and orchestra . Most modern editions are available as a solo part with a piano reduction Ficks Music Gyula Dávid’s Viola Concerto is a major work
: The work typically follows the standard three-movement concerto structure, characterized by rhythmic vitality and soulful, folk-inspired melodies. Significance : It was awarded the Erkel Prize
(1952) shortly after its completion and is frequently cited as one of the most important compositions of Dávid’s early career. cafeinsainto.fr Sourcing the Sheet Music
Since the work is not on IMSLP, it must be acquired through commercial publishers or specialized libraries: Category:For viola, orchestra - IMSLP
The Viola Concerto (1950) by Gyula Dávid is a staple of the intermediate-to-advanced viola repertoire, often utilized as a bridging work before moving on to "The Big Three" (Bartók, Hindemith, Walton). Dávid, a violist himself, wrote this work shortly after the end of World War II while serving as a conductor for the Hungarian National Theatre. Finding the Score
IMSLP Status: As of early 2026, the Dávid Viola Concerto is not available in the public domain on IMSLP. Because the composer died in 1977, the work remains under copyright in most jurisdictions.
Purchase/Digital Options: You can find the solo part and piano reduction through major retailers like Ficks Music and Presto Music. Digital versions for viewing are sometimes available on subscription platforms like nkoda. Musical Analysis & Performance
Structure: The concerto lasts approximately 23 minutes. It is characterized by its late-Romantic Hungarian style, blending traditional folk spirit with modern influences similar to Bartók and Kodály.
Pedagogical Use: It is frequently used for conservatory entrance exams and competitions because it tests both lyrical expression and technical agility. Movement Breakdown: For the violist tired of the same old
I. Allegro moderato: Features a recurring main theme that often requires careful intonation in higher positions.
II. Adagio: Highly lyrical and atmospheric, emphasizing the "darker" timbre of the viola.
III. Allegro: A more spirited, rhythmic finale that utilizes more advanced bowing techniques. Study Resources Category:For viola, orchestra - IMSLP
The Viola Concerto by Gyula Dávid, composed in 1950, is a cornerstone of mid-20th-century Hungarian repertoire for the instrument. Dávid, a student of Zoltán Kodály, combined his background as a professional violist with the rich folk traditions of his homeland to create this celebrated work. Overview of the Concerto
The concerto is widely regarded as one of the most significant pieces from Dávid’s "first period," which lasted until roughly 1960. During this time, his style was deeply rooted in Hungarian folksong, Gregorian chant, and Renaissance polyphony. Composition Date: 1950. Duration: Approximately 23 minutes.
Instrumentation: Originally for viola and orchestra, though it is commonly performed and studied via a piano reduction.
Structure: It typically follows a classical concerto framework but is infused with the rhythmic and melodic spirit of Hungarian musical tradition. IMSLP and Sheet Music Availability
While users often search for this work on the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP), it is important to note its current copyright and publishing status: Category:For viola, orchestra - IMSLP
| Aspect | Dávid Concerto | Hindemith Der Schwanendreher | Walton Concerto | |--------|----------------|-------------------------------|------------------| | Difficulty | Advanced (not virtuoso) | Very high | Very high | | Lyricism | High | Moderate | High | | Folk influence | Hungarian | German/Bavarian | None | | Modernism | Mild (post-romantic) | Neoclassical | Mildly astringent | | IMSLP quality | Fair (readable) | Good | Good |
The first movement opens with a brief, energetic orchestral introduction before the soloist enters with a dramatic, declamatory theme. The writing is idiomatic, utilizing the instrument’s low C-string for dark, resonant passages and shifting to the bright A-string for singing melodies. The development section is compact, focusing on rhythmic drive rather than tonal wandering.