The Viola Concerto, completed in 1950, is a cornerstone of his early style, which was characterized by:

Even in the piano reduction (the version on IMSLP), one senses a transparent, supportive orchestration. The winds and brass are used sparingly, leaving the viola audible throughout.

A virtuosic finale requiring high technical agility. Available Resources

You may find historical discussion pages, a list of his works, or general bibliographical catalog entries. However, a full, legally downloadable PDF of the complete viola concerto score and orchestral parts is generally restricted to prevent copyright infringement.

Before analyzing the concerto, it is essential to understand the man behind the music. (1913-1977) was a prominent Hungarian composer and violist of the mid-20th century. Born in Budapest, he studied at the prestigious Franz Liszt Academy of Music with legendary figures such as Zoltán Kodály (composition) and Leó Weiner (chamber music).

Gyula David (1915-1976) was a Hungarian composer, violinist, and music educator. Born in Szeged, Hungary, David began his musical journey at an early age, studying violin and composition at the Szeged Conservatory. He later continued his studies at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, where he was mentored by renowned composers such as Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók.

Following his studies, Dávid pursued a multifaceted career. He was a violist with the Budapest Municipal Orchestra (1940-1943) and later became a conductor at the National Theatre (1945-1949). His expertise was highly valued in academia, as he became a professor of wind chamber music and composition at FLAM and later at the Bartók Béla Conservatory, where he taught from 1950 to 1960, and then again from 1967 until his death. Dávid was also a passionate folk song collector, assisting Kodály, and one of his collected songs became the basis for Kodály's Karádi nóták .

While IMSLP is the go-to for many historical works, Gyula Dávid’s concerto is often still under copyright in many regions. Current Availability : It is primarily published by Editio Musica Budapest Alternative Sources : If you cannot find a legal free version on

The concerto is cast in the traditional (Fast-Slow-Fast), lasting approximately 20 minutes. It is a work of moderate technical difficulty—demanding for the amateur but accessible to a professional orchestral violist.

Because the work is still protected under copyright laws in many jurisdictions, musicians looking for sheet music will find a unique landscape regarding its availability on public domains and commercial retailers. The Composer: Gyula Dávid (1913–1977)