Gyula Dávid – Viola Concerto (1950) IMSLP Link: (Search “Dávid, Gyula” – work is public domain in many countries) Difficulty: Advanced / Professional Style: Neo-classical with Hungarian folk inflections Why it’s obscure: Eastern European 20th-century works often overlooked in standard viola repertoire.
Gyula Dávid was a prominent figure in 20th-century Hungarian music, studying under Zoltán Kodály at the Budapest Academy of Music. As a violist himself, Dávid understood the instrument's unique sonic potential, a factor that contributes directly to the brilliance of the concerto.
The definitive edition is published by Editio Musica Budapest (EMB) . It is available as a solo part with piano reduction (52 pages), which is crucial for study and rehearsal. Gyula David Viola Concerto Imslp
Look for editions published by Editio Musica Budapest (EMB) .
Gyula Dávid (6 May 1913 – 14 March 1977) was a significant Hungarian violist and composer. Born into an affluent family in Kecskemét or Budapest, he was the third child of senior construction entrepreneur Károly Dávid and Anna Mária Mészáros. He came from a musical family; his brother, Károly Dávid Jr., was a noted architect. Gyula Dávid – Viola Concerto (1950) IMSLP Link:
The Viola Concerto, composed in 1962, is one of David's most notable works. The concerto is a beautiful expression of the violist's capabilities, showcasing the instrument's rich, warm sound and technical range. The work is structured in three movements: an energetic and playful first movement, a lyrical and introspective slow movement, and a virtuosic finale.
: The work typically follows the standard three-movement concerto structure, characterized by rhythmic vitality and soulful, folk-inspired melodies. Significance : It was awarded the Erkel Prize The definitive edition is published by Editio Musica
While IMSLP is the go-to for many historical works, Gyula Dávid’s concerto is often still under copyright in many regions. Current Availability : It is primarily published by Editio Musica Budapest Alternative Sources : If you cannot find a legal free version on
The International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP) is a digital library of public domain and Creative Commons-licensed musical scores. Founded in 2006, IMSLP has become a go-to resource for musicians, researchers, and music enthusiasts worldwide. The website hosts over 500,000 scores, including works by renowned composers and hidden gems like Gyula David's Viola Concerto.