This is a scale book of unprecedented scope. Simon Fischer has developed an entirely new method in which, using the traditional ways of practising scales only as a point of departure, he focuses on numerous often-neglected aspects of the violist's technique. For every element he has designed exercises that sensitize the ear, stimulate the mind and build the playing apparatus of the violist. The many outstanding features of this book include:how to structure intonation around perfect intervals and leading notesa new approach to learning how to time shiftsextensive notation for preparing and holding down fingersone-, two-, three- and four-octave scales and arpeggiostwo-octave scales and arpeggios on one stringnew sequences for single-finger scalesMany well-known Fischer classics are also incorporated, including practice methods for intonation, smooth bowing, string crossing, fast fingers, fourth-finger extensions and placing fingers in blocks. The innovative and wide-ranging material in Scales keeps the player turning the pages, discovering yet more exciting ways to approach scales. The wealth of thought-provoking exercises encourages violists to re-evaluate their practice - developing the playing skills of violists at all levels from intermediate to professional. / Alto

The piece, commissioned by Eszter Lázár and the Hungarian Radio, was composed in 1995 on occasion of the 50th anniversary of Béla Bartók's death. Its world premiere was held on 1 October in the Hungarian Radio, performed by János Fejérvári.The fantasy-like one-movement composition resembles the structure of classical sonatina. Study is an important piece of contemporary viola music and deserves to be a significant part of not only international concert repertoire, but also of academic level music education.This edition has been supported by the Board of Music Publishing of the Hungarian Composers' Union. / Alto