Johann Baptist Vanhal
1739-1813
This Czech composer certainly deserves to be better known. Vanhal’s name is often spelt “Wanhal” which can make life confusing.
Born in Nechanice, Bohemia after travelling to Italy he settled in Vienna and pretty much stayed there.
A prodigy born into a peasant family he excelled at the violine and this was pretty much his ticket out of poverty
He was certainly prolific. Over 270 works penned by him have been published and it is said that Mozart was a bit of a fan - some accolade!
However what brought my attention to him was a concerto for the double bass. An instrument which, let’s face it does not get many leading roles.
Here it is, have a listen and see what you think?
Very enjoyable & as you say, unusual for this instrument to have centre stage.
I have some Dittersdorf double bass concertos from a similar era, maybe it was a C18 thing?