Changes

In the modern ‘cello’s repertoire, the first great work is the series of partitas for solo ‘cello by J. S. Bach (though their greatness was not realised until Pablo Casals’ recordings in the 1930s.) In the post-baroque 18th century, a number of virtuoso players – foremost amongst them Boccherini - brought the instrument out of its normal support role in chamber music to be an equal in the string ensemble. Boccherini, Haydn and  Mozart used it as the bass in their string quartets, and  (usually) doubled up with it in quintets. It arrived as a concerto instrument with the three concertos by Haydn.  

In the modern ‘cello’s repertoire, the first great work is the series of partitas for solo ‘cello by J. S. Bach (though their greatness was not realised until Pablo Casals’ recordings in the 1930s.) In the post-baroque 18th century, a number of virtuoso players – foremost amongst them Boccherini - brought the instrument out of its normal support role in chamber music to be an equal in the string ensemble. Boccherini, Haydn and  Mozart used it as the bass in their string quartets, and  (usually) doubled up with it in quintets. It arrived as a concerto instrument with the three concertos by Haydn.  

During the 19th century Beethoven wrote his five ‘cello sonatas - the first serious music of their kind - and a concerto for violin, ‘cello and orchestra. Important sonatas were written by Mendelssohn (2), Chopin (1) and Brahms (3). Schumann and Dvorak’s concertos are firm favorites.

During the 19th century Beethoven wrote his five ‘cello sonatas - the first serious music of their kind - and a concerto for piano, violin, ‘cello and orchestra. Important sonatas were written by Mendelssohn (2), Chopin (1) and Brahms (3). Schumann and Dvorak’s concertos are firm favorites.

The 20th century has enjoyed important works for ‘cello and orchestra by Elgar, Prokofiev, Shostakovich (2) and Britten; with those by Barber and Walton finding favour in concert halls. The solo repertoire has seen works by Reger and Kodaly.

The 20th century has enjoyed important works for ‘cello and orchestra by Elgar, Prokofiev, Shostakovich (2) and Britten; with those by Barber and Walton finding favour in concert halls. The solo repertoire has seen works by Reger and Kodaly.