Gyula Dávid (1913–1977) was a contemporary of the giants. A Hungarian composer and violist, he studied under Zoltán Kodály—a pedigree that immediately signals a certain level of craftsmanship and folk-influence. Yet, while his peers like Bartók tore up the rulebook, Dávid occupied a fascinating middle ground. He was a modernist who never lost his love for melody, and a violist who understood the instrument's soul better than most composers who merely write for it.
The most likely reason is . In most of the world, copyright for a work lasts for the lifetime of the composer plus 70 years after their death. Gyula Dávid passed away in 1977, meaning his works are still under copyright in many countries until January 1, 2048.
When you open the score, the first thing that strikes you is the writing for the viola. Dávid knew the instrument’s capabilities and its limitations. He exploits the "C-string" gravity that gives the viola its unique, chocolaty depth, but he also demands a technique that pushes the instrument into the stratosphere. The double stops and rapid figurations are not merely showy; they are idiomatic, written by a player who knew the weight of the bow on the string. Gyula David Viola Concerto Imslp
If you need to practice or study the Gyula Dávid Viola Concerto, you can acquire it legally through the following avenues:
Understanding the Sheet Music: IMSLP vs. Copyright Realities Gyula Dávid (1913–1977) was a contemporary of the giants
Follows a traditional three-movement concerto form (Fast–Slow–Fast).
For performance reference, listen to the definitive recording by Hungarian violist Pál Lukács alongside conductor János Ferencsik and the Hungarian State Orchestra, available on streaming platforms like Spotify via the Hungaroton record label. He was a modernist who never lost his
Historical and performance context
Gyula Dávid (1913–1977), Hungarian violist and composer Work: Viola Concerto (c. 1950) Source: IMSLP (typeset / public domain in some regions)