Accolay, Jean Baptiste

Jean-Baptiste Accolay (17 April 1833 - 19 August 1900) was a Belgian violin tutor, violinist, conductor, and composer. He made significant contributions to the world of music during the romantic era. Accolay's most well-known work is his one-movement student concerto in A minor.

Early Life and Education

Jean-Baptiste Accolay was born on April 17, 1833, in Belgium. He showed a keen interest in music from a young age and began his musical journey by learning the violin at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Accolay's dedication and talent earned him recognition, and he quickly established himself as a promising violinist.

Military Service and Orchestral Career

Accolay's musical journey took an interesting turn when he served in the second cuirassier-regiment of Bruges as a solo flugelhorn player. Despite his military commitments, he continued to pursue his passion for the violin. Accolay played the first violin in the orchestras of the Namur and Bruges theaters, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Teaching Career

In addition to his performing career, Accolay also made significant contributions as a music educator. He began teaching solfege at the Bruges Conservatory in 1860. Over the years, he expanded his teaching repertoire to include the violin, viola, string quartets, and harmony. Accolay's expertise and dedication to teaching left a lasting impact on his students and the music community.

Contribution to Classical Music in Bruges

Accolay's passion for music extended beyond his teaching career. In 1865, he co-founded the Seances de musique classique in Bruges, a platform dedicated to promoting classical music in the region. This initiative provided a platform for both established and emerging musicians to showcase their talents. Accolay's involvement in such endeavors played a crucial role in fostering a vibrant classical music scene in Bruges.

Compositions and Style

Accolay's compositions primarily focus on the violin and include concertos, concertinos, and character pieces with piano or orchestral accompaniment. His most famous work, the one-movement student concerto in A minor, remains a staple in the repertoire of violinists around the world. Accolay's compositions are characterized by their expressive strength and technical prowess, showcasing his deep understanding of the instrument and its capabilities.

Influence and Legacy

Despite Accolay's relatively limited output as a composer, his impact on the violin world is significant. His compositions, especially the Concerto in A minor, continue to be performed by renowned violinists, such as Itzhak Perlman. Accolay's ability to create expressive and technically demanding pieces with simple means is a testament to his musical genius. His works serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring violinists and continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Rediscovery and Revival

Over the years, Accolay's contributions to the world of music had somewhat faded into obscurity. However, thanks to the efforts of musicians and scholars, his works have experienced a revival. Mattieu Crickboom, a protege of Eugene Ysae and professor at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, edited Accolay's concertos for publication, bringing them back into the spotlight. This resurgence has allowed a new generation of musicians to discover and appreciate Accolay's musical legacy.

Conclusion

Jean-Baptiste Accolay's life and music showcase the talent and dedication of a remarkable composer and violinist. His works continue to inspire and challenge musicians today, capturing the essence of the romantic era. Accolay's ability to create expressive and technically demanding compositions with simplicity is a testament to his musical genius. Through his teaching, performances, and compositions, Accolay left an indelible mark on the world of classical music, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come.

Violin compositions of Jean-Baptiste Accolay | Animato Strings

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Accolay, Concerto No. 1 In A Minor For Violin With Piano (Schirmer)

Accolay’s Concerto No. 1 in A Minor (Schirmer, Vol. 905) offers violinists a reliable edition for study, performance, and auditions. Edited by O. Schill, this edition features clean notation, a full piano reduction, and a separate violin part, making it ideal for advancing students and teachers alike.

Key Features:

• Edited by O. Schill

• Complete violin and piano parts

• Clear, easy-to-read engraving

• Designed for upper-intermediate to advanced players

• Trusted Schirmer’s Library edition

$20.95

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Alban Berg, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (Henle)

Urtext Edition, Piano reduction with marked and unmarked string parts. Orchestral material is available from Breitkopf & Härtel.

In 1935, Alban Berg began sketching his Violin Concerto. Manon Gropius, the daughter of Walter Gropius and Alma Mahler - friends of Berg's - died of polio. He dedicated the concerto "To the Memory of an Angel" to her memory. This edition of the concerto includes the violin part and piano reduction, edited by Michael Kube. Frank Peter Zimmermann provided fingerings and bowings. This edition is available worldwide.

$59.95

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Albeniz Tango arr for violin/Viola and Piano by Watson Forbes

Albéniz’s Tango, arranged by Watson Forbes for violin/viola and piano, brings Spanish warmth and lyricism to the string repertoire. This Oxford University Press edition features a practical solo part and full piano accompaniment, perfect for study or recital.

Key Features:

• Watson Forbes arrangement for violin or viola and piano

• Complete solo and piano parts

• Clean, clear notation

• Ideal for performances and auditions

• Suitable for intermediate and advanced players

• Captures the essence of Albéniz’s original tango

$29.95

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Old Masters For Young Players Bk 2 For Violin (Schott)

Old Masters for Young Players Book 2 (Schott) presents a selection of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic miniatures for violin and piano, ideal for developing musicians.

Key Features:

• For violin and piano

• Accessible to early-intermediate players

• Includes works by Purcell, Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, and more

• Clear notation, educational focus

$54.95

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-$10.95

Amazing Solos for Violin and Keyborad arr by Howard Harrison

Amazing Solos for Violin and Keyboard, arranged by Howard Harrison, is an essential collection for intermediate players, featuring:

• A diverse mix of classical and folk pieces

• Expressive violin parts with supportive keyboard accompaniments

• Ideal for recitals, practice, and classroom use

• Thoughtful, performance-ready arrangements

• A valuable addition to any violinist’s repertoire

$17.00 $27.95

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Ashokan Farewell for Violin & Piano

Ashokan Farewell for Violin & Piano by Jay Ungar brings the poignant and memorable waltz to string players in a clear, accessible arrangement—perfect for performances or special moments.

Key features:

• For violin and piano

• Includes separate parts for each instrument

• Suitable for intermediate level and up

• Clear, expressive notation

• Ideal for recitals and ceremonies

$19.75

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Accolay, Concerto No1 for violin in A minor and Piano (Schott)

Accolay’s Concerto No. 1 in A minor (Schott) is a beloved Romantic work for intermediate violinists, featuring lyrical themes and accessible virtuosity—perfect for early concerto study and performance.

Key Features:

• By Jean-Baptiste Accolay

• For violin and piano

• Intermediate level

• Romantic, melodic style

• Ideal for exams and recitals

$29.95

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Accolay, Concerto No 1 in A Minor for Violin/Piano (Peters)

Accolay’s Concerto No. 1 in A Minor (Peters) is a staple for developing violinists, offering Romantic lyricism and approachable virtuosity—ideal for recitals, exams, and auditions.

Key Features:

• By Jean-Baptiste Accolay

• For violin and piano

• Intermediate level

• Romantic, expressive style

• Excellent for student performances

$24.95

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Old Masters For Young Players Bk 1 For Violin (Schott)

Old Masters for Young Players Book 1 (Schott) offers beginner to early intermediate violinists a carefully curated collection of Baroque and Classical pieces, perfect for building foundational skills and musical appreciation.

Contents: H. Purcell: Air • C. W. Gluck: Andante cantabile • J. P. Rameau: La Villageoise • G. F. Händel: Air • J. A. Hasse: 2 Dances • J. B. Lully: Gavotte and Musette • J. M. Leclair: Sarabande • J. S. Bach: 2 Minuets • L. v. Beethoven: Liebeslied • G. Tartini: Sarabande • G. B. Buononcini: Rondeau • R. Schumann: Erinnerung

Key Features:

• For violin and piano

• Beginner to early intermediate level

• Works by Bach, Handel, Corelli, and more

• Excellent for lessons and recitals

$54.95