FRANZ ANTON HOFFMEISTER (1754-1812): Viola Concertos in D and in B Flat, CARL STAMITZ (1745-1801): Viola Concerto No. 1 in D.

Description: Hoffmeister's only two viola concertos are also the only viola concertos by a significant Viennese Classical composer. Probably both dating from the late 1780s or early 1790s, they exploit the full range of the instrument and consist of elegant, imposing opening movements, wistful slow movements and cheerful rondo finales. Published in 1774, Stamitz' concerto demands both dazzling passagework and technical feats which would later become associated with such virtuosi as Paganini. Victoria Chiang (viola), Baltimore Chamber Orchestra; Markand Thakar.