Robert Schumann: Cello Concerto In A minor Op. 129: Orchester mit Solo

Robert Schumann’s Violoncello Concerto Op. 129 can be regarded as the first great concerto for this instrument’s repertoire. It is thus somewhat surprising that this work had an extremelyproblematic reception history at the outset. Schumann wrote the score in 1850, during his Düsseldorf years, but there was neither a concrete occasion nor a soloist for a world premiere. After its publication, moreyears elapsed before the world premiere. It was only towards the end of the 19th century that Schumann’s Cello Concerto finally made its breakthrough as a repertoire piece.

The Urtext edition is based ontheoriginal print of the parts and the Piano reduction, which had still been supervised by Schumann. In addition, the autograph of the score was consulted for purposes of comparison.

The internationally renownedsoloist Heinrich Schiff took part in the preparation of the edition for Violoncello and Piano. His experiences have been incorporated into his arrangement of the solo part. With his comments, Schiff also provides valuable tips onthe interpretation of the work.