Composer

:

Arthur Sullivan

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1866

Average_duration

:

17:05

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Arthur Sullivan's 'Cello Concerto' was composed in 1866, and premiered on May 19th of the same year at the Crystal Palace in London. The concerto is divided into three movements, with a total runtime of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, begins with a slow introduction featuring the solo cello. The orchestra then enters with a lively theme, which is developed throughout the movement. The soloist is given ample opportunity to showcase their technical abilities, with virtuosic runs and double stops. The movement ends with a cadenza for the solo cello. The second movement, marked Andante espressivo, is a lyrical and expressive adagio. The solo cello sings a mournful melody, accompanied by the orchestra. The middle section features a more agitated theme, but the movement ends with a return to the opening melody. The final movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a lively and energetic rondo. The solo cello introduces the main theme, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement features several contrasting sections, including a lyrical second theme and a playful pizzicato section. The concerto ends with a virtuosic coda for the solo cello. Overall, Sullivan's 'Cello Concerto' is a showcase for the solo cello, with the orchestra providing a supportive and complementary role. The concerto is notable for its technical demands on the soloist, as well as its lyrical and expressive melodies. While not as well-known as some of Sullivan's other works, the 'Cello Concerto' remains a beloved piece in the cello repertoire.

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