Kraus, Joseph Martin (1756-1792)

The Concerto for Viola and Violoncello in G major represents another of the broad definitions of solo instruments in combination, this time a solo viola and solo violoncello. It is not easy to define this work in G major, as the Breitkopf catalogue lists it simply as a viola concerto. But throughout the work the cello itself functions as a primus inter pares with the viola, and therefore it cannot simply be dismissed as an ancillary obbligato. It is to be designated here as a double concerto or, more appropriately given the lengthy orchestral ritornellos, as a sinfonia concertante. This duo concerto contains some of the most challenging and idiomatic writing of the Classical period for both instruments, and its recovery from a misattribution means another rare addition to the sinfonia concertante repertory for these middle-range instruments.