Bohm Viola Quartet

Böhm: Viola Quartet (Arr. from Violin Quartet)

Viola quartet repertoire isn't extensive, and pieces that sit well in the instrument's range while offering genuine musical interest are worth seeking out. This arrangement of Carl Böhm's violin quartet gives viola ensembles a well-crafted option at around Grade 6: attractive melodic writing, clear four-part harmony, and music from a composer who understood how to write effectively for strings.

Böhm composed largely in a Romantic salon style, and the writing here is characteristic: melodic lines pass between the parts, the harmony is rich but transparent, and all four players have something worthwhile to contribute. Moving the piece from violins to violas changes the overall colour, giving the ensemble a warmer, more blended sound throughout.

At six minutes, it suits a concert programme well — substantial enough to make an impression, contained enough to sit comfortably alongside other pieces.

Check the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. They'll give you a clear picture of the engraving quality and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: Viola I, Viola II, Viola III, Viola IV
• Original instrumentation: Violin Quartet (Carl Böhm, arr. Paul Wood for viola quartet)
• Difficulty: Grade 6 (ABRSM, all parts)
• Duration: approximately 6 minutes
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Works well for viola ensemble days, chamber music workshops, conservatoire or school concerts, and any setting where a viola quartet needs a polished and enjoyable programme piece.