Posted by John Cutrone on February 17, 19104 at 13:30:23:

In Reply to: Re: Viola concerto posted by Missy on May 08, 19102 at 08:50:32:

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Viola Concerto in G Major

Largo
Allegro
Andante
Presto

The publication of Antonio Vivaldi's concertos early in the 18th century took Germany by storm. Georg Philipp Telemann, one of Germany's most popular and prolific of the time began to follow in Vivaldi's footsteps. Although Telemann had said in his 1718 autobiography, "I must own that since the concerto form was never close to my heart it was indifferent to me whether I wrote a great many or not," he ultimately produced more than 100 concerti for solo instruments as well other combinations. Perhaps his work in organizing non-professional musical societies (collegia musica), promoting public concerts, and improving the status of professional musicians helped to drive the creation of so many concerted solo works.

Throughout the history of virtuosic literature, the viola (not unlike the contralto in opera) has suffered from a lack of inclusion. The instrument's sonic location in the midrange of string sound has been seen as a disadvantage to compete with orchestra, as the lower instrument lacks the brilliance of the violin or the depth and power of the cello. Until recently, solo works with orchestra have seldom been written for viola. Joining only three other concertos of the Baroque, the Telemann concerto is seen as the beginning of the history of viola concertos. Probably written shortly before 1740, it is cast in the Sonata da Chiesa form, four alternating slow-fast movements, scored for strings and continuo.

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