Cello Concerto (Dvořák)

The Cello Concerto in B minor, Opus 104 by Antonín Dvořák is one of the most famous cello concerto, and was Dvořák's most famous works. It is one of the most important pieces of the cello repertoire.

Formation

Dvořák wrote the Cello Concerto between 8 November 1894 and 9 February 1895 in the United States. First, he loved this little instrument. The world premiere of Victor Herbert's second cello concerto gave him the impetus to write even a concert. The concert was preceded by an attempt in 1865 Dvorak already wrote a Cello Concerto in A major ( without opus ), but which was neither published nor orchestrated.

1895 to Johannes Brahms, after reading the score, have exclaimed: " Why did I not know that you can write a cello concerto like this, Had I known, I would have written a long time ago one! "

The concert was premiered on 19 March 1896 in London. The English cellist Leo Stern played with the Royal Philharmonic Society under the direction of the composer. Originally it would have Hanus Wihan to play, to whom he dedicated the work, and who was a friend of Dvořák. This had been proposed but to many compositional changes and even self drafted a cadence, which was Dvořák then gone too far.

About the Music

Allegro

Duration about 16 minutes

The first set is structured very classic. After the famous, very catchy main theme is followed by a very quiet horn solo with the page theme that is also very memorable. The cello is in this sentence for a concert late and suddenly, and developed his own melodic lines that have to do with the topics presented little, it develops a dialogue between orchestra and solo instrument.

Adagio, ma non troppo

Takes about 12-13 minutes

In this largely quiet set Dvořák quoted his song "Leave me alone " (Op. 82 No. 1), the favorite song of his sister, who died in the spring of 1895. Dvořák was once secretly in love with her.

Final. Allegro moderato

Duration about 13 minutes

The final movement is first introduced quietly by the orchestra and rises before after about half a minute using the cello and plays the theme of the movement completely. In the coda, the song " Let me alone ," is quoted again.

Recordings (selection)

• Pau Casals, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Conductor: George Szell (1937 )
• Pierre Fournier, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Conductor: George Szell ( German Grammophon, 1962)
• Leonard Rose, Philadelphia Orchestra, Conductor: Eugene Ormandy (Sony, 1964)
• Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker Conductor: Herbert von Karajan ( German Grammophon, 1968)
• Jacqueline du Pré, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Daniel Barenboim (EMI, 1971)
• Mischa Maisky, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Conductor: Zubin Mehta ( German Grammophon, 2004)
• Jean- Guihen Queyras, Prague Philharmonia, conductor: Jiri Belohlavek ( Harmonia Mundi 2005)