Description

Dvořák's melodious cello concerto is undoubtedly one of the most popular works of its kind. Surprisingly, the Musical Times initially had little hope that it would remain in the repertoire after its London premiere. Composed during the winter of 1894/95 while Dvořák was still in America, the concerto underwent several revisions, particularly to the solo part, in the spring and summer of 1895 following the composer's return to Bohemia. Dvořák's cellist friend Hanuš Wihan provided expert support, even making his own entries in the autograph manuscript. The numerous small and larger revisions ultimately led to inconsistencies in Simrock's 1896 first edition of the score, piano reduction, and solo parts.

For this Henle Urtext edition, the editorial team carefully examined the autograph sources and an early solo part copy to establish the definitive Urtext solo part. The piano reduction, prepared by Johannes Umbreit, now also provides an optimal foundation for all musicians. Renowned cellist Steven Isserlis offers more than just fingering and bowing suggestions in his marked-up part - he also describes his own musical experiences with the work in a short introduction. Additionally, Isserlis draws attention to early variants and presents his own solutions for classic problem passages based on his performing experience.