Casimir-Ney(1801–1877)

For a long time nothing was known about this figure, shrouded in legend. Drüner says: «Although he left not the tiniest clue about his life, he left the most amazing and virtuosic known work for Viola: The 24 Préludes.» These Préludes are quasi concert etudes, almost unplayable on a large instrument. Drüner has included seven of them in his collection of etudes (3rd vol.). Zeyringer lists also a Fantasy for Viola and Piano and a String Trio. In addition Casimir-Ney published 18 Caprices for Violin and a Polka for 2 Violins (cf. YB 5, 49-56).