41 Caprices for Viola, Op. 22 (Campagnoli)

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.

The caprices encompass various aspects of left-hand and bowing techniques, including scales, arpeggios, double stops, and complex bow strokes. 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.

Arrangements

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.

• Grażyna Bacewicz arranged Caprice No. 17, a theme with variations in E minor, for viola and piano.

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.

References

See also

• Bartolomeo Campagnoli

External links