Niccolò Paganini – Sonata per la Grand Viola

Niccolò Paganini (1782–1840), the renowned Italian violin virtuoso and composer, is renowned for works that pushed the boundaries of violin technique. In 1834, for his concerts in Paris, he composed the "Sonata per la Grand Viola"—a unique piece that is Paganini's only work written for solo viola with orchestra. The piece will be heard here arranged for viola and guitar.

Paganini's composition, showing the range of technical possibilities of the viola, was a kind of revolution in the repertoire of this instrument - previously limited to a less virtuosic sound.

The "Sonata per la Grand Viola" is an extremely demanding work for the violist—it presents both a technical and interpretative challenge. Paganini created a piece that changes the perception of the viola, giving it a soloistic expression.