Vanhal as audition concerto

[Minibass]

This has been on my mind for a while. I know there are many versions of the Vanhal concerto, but which key is generally played more often or is better for an audition, the one in D orchestral tuning, or the one in C orchestral tuning? When I auditioned at IU in february with the Vanhal in D, Hurst said I played the less common version. The only time I've ever heard the one in C was played by some kid on From the Top. The two recordings I have are in D (E because of solo tuning). Also, I had some lessons on the Vanhal from some Cleveland Orchestra members, and they seemed to know the one in D very well. I know one of them taught another of his students the same one, and the other played the same version for his senior recital at Curtis. Anyway, any experience or comments with the Vanhal in either key?

[JayR]

I learned it in C, for what it's worth. I didn't like the edition I used, though, it had way too much stratospheric stuff that sounded kinda tasteless. I like Vanhal a lot more when some of the figures are in the lower octaves of the bass.

[Nick_Browne]

Vanhal is a bit easier to play in C. However, Jeff Turner thinks it sounds best for auditions in D, on the grounds that it is a more open, ringing key for the bass. As you probably know, you can take a lot of phrases in lower octaves and really sing in D. Neither key is right or wrong, its just a matter of personal opinion.

[Cory Palmer]

Anybody that studied at Curtis with Roger Scott probably would have learned the Vanhal in D Major. I heard Tim Cobb (principal of the Met and a Roger Scott student) play it a few years ago with a cadenza that Roger Scott wrote. I'm not sure what Hal Robinson teaches.

[G-force]

Originally Posted by Cory Palmer

Anybody that studied at Curtis with Roger Scott probably would have learned the Vanhal in D Major. I heard Tim Cobb (principal of the Met and a Roger Scott student) play it a few years ago with a cadenza that Roger Scott wrote. I'm not sure what Hal Robinson teaches.

This is correct. scotts' edition is a bit less redundant. A great version for auditions if played in tune.

[joshxlambert]

Originally Posted by Cory Palmer

Anybody that studied at Curtis with Roger Scott probably would have learned the Vanhal in D Major. I heard Tim Cobb (principal of the Met and a Roger Scott student) play it a few years ago with a cadenza that Roger Scott wrote. I'm not sure what Hal Robinson teaches.

heres a recording of roger scott playing it, its the second one down I believe http://www.haydnhouse.com/HH17.htm