Bartok Viola Concerto Op. posth. (arr. Paul Neubauer)
Explore one of the twentieth century's most important works for viola with Viola Concerto, Op. posth. by Béla Bartók, presented in a piano reduction with solo viola part and arranged by the acclaimed American violist Paul Neubauer. Left unfinished at Bartók's death in 1945, the concerto has become one of the defining masterpieces of the viola repertoire, admired for its expressive lyricism, rich harmonic language, and compelling blend of folk-inspired melodies and modern musical innovation.
Following Bartók's passing, the concerto was first completed by Tibor Serly, whose edition was premiered in 1949 by legendary violist William Primrose and quickly became a cornerstone of the viola literature. Later scholarly revisions by Peter Bartók and Nelson Dellamaggiore sought to present the work as faithfully as possible to the composer's surviving manuscript. Paul Neubauer's respected arrangement continues this tradition, providing performers with a practical and highly musical edition for study and performance. The piano reduction allows violists to prepare the concerto with accompaniment while preserving the orchestral character of Bartók's original conception.
Ideal for advanced students, conservatory musicians, and professional performers, this edition develops technical mastery through shifting, double stops, advanced bow control, rhythmic precision, dynamic contrast, and expressive interpretation. Equally rewarding from both technical and musical perspectives, the concerto is an outstanding choice for recitals, competitions, auditions, diploma examinations, and concert preparation.
Key Features:
- Music by Béla Bartók
- Arranged by Paul Neubauer
- Piano reduction with solo viola part
- One of the most important twentieth-century viola concertos
- Based on Bartók's unfinished final masterpiece
- Incorporates Bartók's distinctive folk-inspired musical language
- Develops advanced technique, tone production, and musical expression
- Suitable for advanced and professional violists
- Ideal for conservatory study, auditions, competitions, recitals, and concert preparation
- Essential addition to every serious violist's repertoire
Musical Benefits:
- Strengthens advanced viola technique
- Develops rhythmic precision and expressive phrasing
- Improves tone production and bow control
- Builds confidence performing major concerto repertoire
- Expands understanding of twentieth-century musical style
