As a respected composer, violinist and teacher, Vanhal was well known among his contemporaries. During his life time many of his symphonies were published, and much of his chamber music was widely enjoyed. Presently, there is a resurgence of interest in his legacy, as he has become more researched and published again. Given the magnitude of his opus, the true stature of his work may yet be fully recognized. 

Although he had composed several chamber pieces that feature double bass, his main contribution to the bass literature is Concerto in Es per il Contrabasso. Edited for the first time by Heinz Hermann (Hofmeister, 1957) it has become one of the most played and recorded classical concerti. Its first public performance in the US was most likely by Roger Scott and Philadelphia Orchestra in 1965. Its most authentic rendition - commendably also in the Viennese tuning, were recorded by Chi-chi Nwanoku in 2000 (Hyperion, CDA67179) and David Sinclair in 2006 (Ars Produktion, 38020).  

Works
          Solo:

                Concerto in Es per il Contrabasso
        
          Chamber:

                Cassatio in D          (Fl, Vla, "Violone Concertino" + 2 Hrn ad lib)
                Divertimento in G  (Vln,Vla,Violone + 2 Hrn ad lib)
                Trio in D                  (Fl, Vln, Bass)



Music Samples

Concerto, First Movement (Pecevski)
Concerto, Second Movement (Pecevski)



Bibliography