RBP Music Publishers: Catalog of works for viola, and descriptive summary.
Alphabetical index to catalog; full catalog shown below
1001: Biber Passacaglia for Viola Solo: Originally for violin. The Biber Passacaglia is generally recognized as the most important polyphonic work for solo stringed instrument of the mature baroque period, paving the way for the late baroque solo sonata masterworks of J.S. Bach. Mr. Bridges has added bowing and fingering suggestions to help delineate voice leading. A few of the variations have been re-ordered to improve thematic cohesion. A must for any baroque music enthusiast. 7 minutes duration.
1002: Beethoven Sonata Op. 5, #2: Originally for cello. This arrangement retains the original key of G minor. The range placement of the solo line is carefully considered throughout, based on musical and acoustical needs, rather than merely "boosting up" the cello part an octave. This charming three movement early sonata of Beethoven helps to fill the lamentable dearth of quality solo works for viola in the classical period. (This work is on the Texas UIL high school contest list.) 15 minutes duration. Top
1003: Debussy Deuxieme Rhapsody: Originally for saxophone. This obscure work was begun by Debussy as a commissioned work in 1903. Debussy spent the commission payment (sent by an extravagant wealthy patroness from Boston), and then lost interest in the work, leaving it in rough sketches at his death in 1918. The work was subsequently "finished" by a publisher's assistant (Roger Ducasse). In Bridges' arrangement, the Deuxieme Rhapsody has been reconstructed to conform to Debussy's original intent. Slightly Spanish in flavor, this is an extremely attractive recital piece in the impressionist style. 7 minutes duration. Top
1004: Franck Sonata in A Major: Originally for violin. This arrangement retains the original key of A major. The octave placement of the solo line has been devised to maintain the original character of the piece, while avoiding awkward or abrupt octave transpositions in the middle of phrases. 23 minutes duration. Top
1005: Telemann Suite for Viola Solo: Originally for viola da gamba. Mr. Bridges uncovered this rare gem while pursuing research in 1979, at the Peabody Institute, in Baltimore. This represents a historic "first" for RBP, as this piece has never before been published in any form in the United States! This charming five movement suite is especially useful to teachers desiring to introduce their students to the baroque style, before launching them into the more difficult solo cello suites of J.S. Bach. (This work is on the Texas UIL high school contest list.) 15 minutes duration.
1006: Stravinsky Suite for Viola and Piano: Originally for piano solo. This arrangement is derived from Stravinsky's treatment of original themes by Pergolesi. Stravinsky's later versions of this early piano work are known alternately as the "Pulcinella Suite", and "Suite Italenne". (note: this is the most popular work in our catalogue!) 20 minutes duration. Top
1007: Prokofiev "Cinderella" Suite for Viola and Harp: Originally for orchestra. This is an arrangement of eight scenes from Prokofiev's ballet, "Cinderella". Prokofiev's richly lyrical interpretation of this fairy tale, in a delicate setting for viola and harp, makes an outstanding addition to the repertoire. 24 minutes duration. Top
1009: J.S. Bach Partita III: Originally for violin in E major. Other arrangements of this partita exist for viola in A major. Irving Ilmer's ingenious arrangement, however, takes it's inspiration from Bach's own transcription of this partita for organ. Thus, the resulting version in G major for viola makes use of the resounding open G string in extended passages of bariolage. 20 minutes duration. Top
1010: Tchaikovsky "Theme and Variations" for Viola and Piano: Originally for orchestra. This arrangement is based on the last movement of Tchaikovsky's Third Orchestral Suite, consisting of a theme and 12 variations. Bridges has crafted a concert piece similar in style and scope to the "Rococo Variations" for cello. The piano accompaniment is derived from Tchaikovsky's own reduction of the orchestral score for piano solo. This work nicely fills in the gap in the "viola desert" between the Schumann Marchenbuilder (1851) and the Brahms sonatas (1894). Listen to this work!
1011: Bartok "Roumanian Dances" for Viola and Piano: Originally for piano solo, previously transcribed for violin and piano, and cello and piano. This energetic six-movement suite is now available for the first time for viola!. Top
1012: Massenet "Romance" for Viola and Piano: Originally for voice and piano. An opulent, passionate work composed in one movement. Suitable as an encore or as an introduction to the Romantic style for students. Medium difficulty, 4 minutes duration. Top
1013: Puccini "Madama Viola" for Viola and Harp: Themes from the opera "Madama Butterfly" by Giacomo Puccini, in an enchanting arrangement for viola and harp. Contains the famous "humming chorus" solo! Medium difficulty, 17 minutes duration. PREVIEW: listen to a movement from this suite!
1014: Orchestral excerpts from the ballet repertoire: Ten years in the making, this is a comprehensive collection of important viola excerpts from the classic ballet rep. Includes those impossible-to-find viola solos from "Giselle" and "Coppelia", and viola parts from ballets by Tchaikovsky (Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker), Stravinsky (The Firebird, Petrouchka, Rite of Spring, Pulcinella), Ravel (Daphnis and Chloe), and many more! Spiral bound to lay flat on your music stand. Top
1015: Hummel Fantasie for viola and orchestra: Cadenza only. Written by resident editor Robert Bridges. Top
1016: Bach Concerto for Violin, Viola and Strings [recital version]: Reconstructed from historical fragments and sources by editor Robert Bridges. Lost for nearly 300 years, this landmark edition restores a masterwork of the baroque era to the viola repertoire. This recital version includes the violin and viola solo parts, basso continuo part (cello) and keyboard reduction suitable for harpsichord, organ or piano. Medium difficulty, three movements, 17 minutes duration. For more details regarding the reconstruction of this work, follow this link: Bach Reconstruction To listen to the concerto or download the audio file, follow this link: Listen to concerto
1017: Bizet "Carmen Fantasy": An original work arranged by Robert Bridges for viola and piano. A dazzling showpiece with all your favorite themes from the opera (habanera, gypsy dance, toreador song, etc.). Advanced, 12 minutes duration.
1018: Beethoven "Moonlight" Sonata for viola and piano: Beethoven's most beloved sonata, the "Moonlight" sonata Op. 27, No. 2, arranged for viola and piano. Three movements (Adagio, Allegretto, Presto). Key of C minor, 15 minutes duration.
1019: Prokofiev "Romeo and Juliet" for viola and piano: This arrangement of seven scenes from the ballet "Romeo and Juliet" was formerly out of print, but is now back in the catalog by popular demand! Includes the famous "Dance of the Knights" and the Balcony Scene. Advanced, 19 minutes duration.
1020: Manuel de Falla, Two Spanish Dances: The Dance of the Miller, and The Ritual Fire Dance together in one volume, arranged for viola and piano by Robert Bridges. Two guaranteed show-stoppers, medium difficulty. Duration about 3 minutes each.
1021: Edvard Grieg, Nordic Serenade: Arranged for viola and piano by Robert Bridges. Derived from the popular Peer Gynt suite and the violin sonatas. Filled with lyrical and jaunty themes, reminiscent of traditional Norwegian folk fiddling. Includes “The Hall of the Mountain King”. Duration about 18 minutes.
1022: Nicolo Paganini, Carnival of Venice: Variations on the world-famous theme by Paganini, arranged for viola and piano by Robert Bridges. Just plain fun, a great program finisher. Suitable for advanced high-school and college students. Duration 10 minutes
2002: Tchaikovsky selections from "The Nutcracker" arranged for string quartet: Please note: This work is out-of-print. It has been withdrawn from the catalog and is no longer available. Top
2003: Bach Concerto for Violin, Viola and Strings [full orchestra set]: For full description, see RBP catalog 1016 above. The full orchestra set includes the conductor full score; violin and viola solo parts; violin, viola cello and bass tutti parts; tutti keyboard part; and the keyboard reduction part for rehearsal use. (An alternate bass part is included if needed for younger or non-professional ensembles). Top To listen to the concerto, follow this link: Listen to concerto