Concerto in G minor, TWV 51: G9 for viola and piano by Georg Philipp Telemann
Urtext edition by Phillip Schmidt. Markings by Kai Kopp. Published by Henle.
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) was a prominent German composer of the Baroque era. He was one of the most prolific composers in history, with over 3,000 works to his name. His music provides an important link between the Baroque and Classical periods and was a major influence to transitional composers such as C.P.E. Bach. Many of his works reflect his desire to create pedagogical, approachable works–a quality that makes them popular with amateur players today.
Telemann’s Viola Concerto in G minor, TWV 51: G9 (1716-21) is the first known concerto to ever have been written for the instrument, displaying his confidence in the viola as a solo instrument with its own unique qualities. It represents an early work in the burgeoning “galant” style–a simpler, dance-like idiom that departs from the contrapuntal and harmonic complexity of the earlier Baroque, and foreshadows the developments of the classical period. Today, it is his most famous work and remains popular with students for its approachability and lyricism. This premium Henle urtext edition includes marked and unmarked parts, as well as critical and historical commentary. Intermediate level, Grade 3.
