Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Benda: Violakonzert Nr. 2 Es-Dur

For many years the subject of the origins of Georg Benda's viola concerti has been rife with errors and confusion. After the thorough research carried out by Jean-Eric Soucy the concerti (F-Major as well as two further E-flat Major) were shown to be not by Georg Benda but indeed compositions by Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Benda.

The importance of the Benda family in German music was considerable. The Bendas, primarily Franz and Georg Anton, were prominent members of the ‘Berlin School’, along with J. J. Quantz and C. P. E. Bach. The Benda we are interested in here is Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich (1745–1814), was the son of Franz and the nephew of Georg. He is best known for his instrumental music including concerti. He was reputed for his skill as a violinist and viola player. The virtuosity of the passagework in his three viola concerti confirms his mastery of the technique of the instrument beyond any doubt.

All three concerti exist in manuscripts and have been newly edited for this publication. This concerto is a wonderful addition to the viola repertoire. Its qualitiy is in no respect inferior to the better known concerti by Stamitz, Hoffmeister and others. First printing

Edited by Jean-Eric Soucy

Movements : Allegretto - Largo con sordino - Allegro

Orchestra : Orchester : Violino I und II, Viola, Corno in Es I und II, Violoncello, Violone, Basso continuo

CD recording : Jean-Eric Soucy - Viola, conducted by Bernard Labardie with SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg, CPO, DDD, 2017, 7971792