Description

Paganini's second concerto is separated by 11 years from his first, and differs quite a bit in content, with concentration more on intrinsic musical aspects than in showcasing the composer's famous virtuosity as violin virtuoso. Although the composer included the piece in his own list of works, it was not published until 11 years after his death - by the Paris firm Schonenberger as No.2 of a series titled "Oeuvres Posthumes". It's most famous for the third movement which features an unusual instrument in the orchestra of 1826 - a tuned bell in F-sharp. This led to the nickname "La Campanella". Though originally applied to the third movement's principal theme, it soon referred to the entire concerto. It also inspired several other composers to produce their own fantasies upon the melody.

The score offered here is a newly engraved, thoroughly researched edition prepared by Gregory Vaught as part of the Nieweg Performance Editions series. The large score and orchestral parts are available from Serenissima Music along with the convenient study score format listed here.