It remains a standard competition and audition piece for advanced violists, prized for its ability to show off both technical bravura and emotional depth.
Gyula Dávid, the violist-composer, left the viola community a substantial gift. This concerto deserves to be heard in recital halls and practice rooms alongside its more famous cousins. Do not let a copyright block be a final stop. Use IMSLP to discover the piece, then support the publisher to obtain the legitimate materials. Your audience—and your left shoulder—will thank you for reviving this forgotten masterpiece.
The best part? It’s on IMSLP for free. Just search ‘Gyula Dávid.’ The solo part is clean, and the full score is there too.
The first movement establishes a rigorous dialogue between the soloist and the orchestra. It is notable for its energetic rhythms and the frequent use of the "dotted" Hungarian rhythm. The viola is tasked with wide leaps and double-stopping that emphasize its resonance.