Weber Andante e Rondo Ongarese Solo Viola and String Orchestra

Weber: Andante e Rondo Ungarese, Op. 35 (Arr. Viola and String Orchestra)

Weber originally composed this piece for bassoon and orchestra, then adapted it himself for viola — a decision that makes sense once you hear it. The viola's range and character suit the Hungarian Rondo particularly well: the instrument has the weight to carry the dance rhythms and the agility for the faster passagework, and the lyrical Andante sits naturally in its middle register.

Weber's viola version is one of the instrument's most substantial showpieces. This arrangement reduces the original full orchestral accompaniment to string orchestra, redistributing the wind and brass parts into the string texture. The solo part is unchanged.

At nine minutes across the two-movement structure, it works well as a concert centrepiece or a first-half showpiece for a viola soloist.

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: Solo Viola + String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Original instrumentation: Bassoon and Orchestra, arr. Weber for Viola and Orchestra; arr. Paul Wood for string orchestra
• Difficulty: Professional / Diploma
• Duration: approximately 9 minutes
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

Works well for professional and conservatoire viola recitals, chamber orchestra concerts, and festival programmes where a substantial and characterful viola showpiece is needed.