Paganini Grand Sonata for Viola and String Orchestra

Paganini wrote the Sonata per la Grand' Viola for his own instrument, and it makes no concessions: the full range of Paganini technique applied to the viola, including everything that implies about high positions, double stopping, sustained bow control, and the physical demands of writing of this kind in a lower register. This arrangement reduces the original full orchestral accompaniment to string orchestra, making the work practical to programme without requiring a symphony orchestra.

The string orchestra reduction keeps the harmonic and textural weight of the original. Paganini's orchestral writing in this work leans heavily on the strings, and the wind and brass parts carry relatively little independent material, so the reduction is an honest one. The solo part is untouched.

At ten minutes, it is a substantial concert feature. It suits programmes where the viola is being given genuine solo space rather than a cameo, and where a historically significant, technically uncompromising work is wanted.

See and hear the difference

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

Key features

• Instrumentation: Solo Viola + String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Difficulty: Diploma / Professional
• Duration: approximately 10 minutes
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts
• Orchestration: reduced from full orchestra to string orchestra; solo part unchanged

Who it's for

This arrangement suits professional and conservatoire viola soloists looking for a major concert vehicle that does not require a full symphony orchestra. It works well in chamber and string orchestra concerts where a serious, demanding solo work is needed, and in programmes where the viola is the featured instrument and repertoire of real weight is required.