Oxford University Press Notes for Violists: A Guide to the Repertoire (Notes for Performers)

Notes for Violists: A Guide to the Repertoire offers historical and analytical information about thirty-five of the best-known pieces for the instrument, making it an essential resource for professional, amateur, and student violists alike. With engaging prose supported by fact-filled analytical charts, the book offers rich biographical information and insightful analyses that help violists gain a more complete understanding of pieces like Béla Bartók's Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, Rebecca Clarke's Sonata for Viola and Piano, Robert Schumann's Märchenbilder for Viola and Piano, op. 113, Carl Stamitz's Concerto for Viola and Orchestra in D Major, Igor Stravinsky's Élégie for Viola or Violin Unaccompanied, and thirty other masterpieces. This comprehensive guide to key pieces from the viola repertoire from the eighteenth through the twentieth century covers concertos, chamber pieces, and works for solo viola by a wide range of composers, including Bach, Telemann, Mozart, Hoffmeister, Walton, and Hindemith. Author David M. Bynog not only offers clear structural analyses of these compositions but also situates them in their historical contexts as he highlights crucial biographical information on composers and explores the circumstances of the development and performance of each work. By connecting performance studies with scholarship, this indispensable handbook for students and professionals allows readers to gain a more complete picture of each work and encourages them to approach other compositions in a similarly analytical manner. Review David Bynog's new book is irresistible...All violists owe a debt of gratitude to David Bynog for this masterful book, which will serve as an inexhaustible resource for decades to come. ― Andrew H. Weaver, The Catholic University of America, Journal of the American Viola Society The persuasive capsules will be invaluable to program-note writers and casual music lovers, while the scope of the music provides an insight into the world of the viola. ― Laurence Vittes, Strings David Bynog's deep love and equally deep knowledge of the viola and its repertory's 'greatest hits' shine through in every chapter of this book. It is a must-have for every viola student and teacher, providing an invaluable 'jumping off point' for the preparation of an informed performance of each of these masterpieces. What a gift it is to the viola community to have this wonderful research and analysis all in one place! ― Carol Rodland, Violist, Professor of Viola and Chamber Music, The Juilliard School A fascinating book highlighting important select works for viola. I found it a captivating treasure-trove of unexpected insights into every composer's life, each composition, and its place now in history. A must for all who love the viola! ― James F. Dunham, Professor of Viola and Chamber Music, Rice University, Shepherd School of Music About the Author David M. Bynog enjoys a diverse musical career as performer, researcher, and educator. A former Editor of the Journal of the American Viola Society, he established the sheet-music publishing branch of the American Viola Society in 2010 and has edited more than forty compositions for publication. Currently the Head of Acquisitions at Fondren Library, Rice University, he holds degrees from Louisiana State University and Rice University.