Rondo for Cello and Orchestra (Dvořák)
| Rondo for Cello and Orchestra | |
|---|---|
| by Antonín Dvořák | |
 Cover of 1894 Simrock edition | |
| Key | G minor |
| Catalogue | B. 171 (with piano), B. 181 (with orchestra) |
| Opus | 94 |
| Style | Romantic period |
| Form | Rondo |
| Composed | 1891 (with piano), 1893 (with orchestra) |
| Dedication | Hanuš Wihan |
| Movements | One |
The Rondo for Cello and Orchestra in G minor, Op. 94, is a composition by Antonín Dvořák.[1] Originally written for cello with piano accompaniment in 1891, it has been performed in recent years by the likes of cellists Yo-Yo Ma,[2] Sheku Kanneh-Mason[3] and Sol Gabetta.[4] The Rondo's main theme is among Dvořák's moderately well-known melodies. A typical performance lasts around eight minutes.
Background[edit]
In 1892, Dvořák toured Bohemia and Moravia, accompanied by violinist Ferdinand Lachner and cellist Hanuš Wihan. The three musicians would perform Dvořák's piano trios (with him at the piano), as well as solo pieces for each musician. For the tour, Dvořák wrote the Rondo in G minor, originally with piano accompaniment; the primary motivation was Wihan's need of a piece that would show off his abilities.[5] He moreover arranged the eighth of his Slavonic Dances and Silent Woods from the cycle From the Bohemian Forest for the tour. He later wrote an arrangement of the rondo for small orchestra.[6]
Structure[edit]
The Rondo contains three themes, presented in the regular rondo form ABACABA.[6] The Rondo's G minor key helps the main theme create a somewhat melancholy atmosphere, though it is nevertheless spirited and dance-like, like much of Dvořák's chamber music.
The first section is followed by a brief passage wherein the cello carries a more lyrical and upbeat passage.
Soon, however, the mood changes, becoming more uneasy until the final, virtuosic section. In the third section the cello soars exuberantly into its high registers.
Afterwards, the return of the lyrical section sees a final statement of the first theme, this time tinged with gloom, and the piece draws to a quiet and peaceful close.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ "Rondo in g minor, Op. 94, B. 171 (for cello and piano) - Antonín Dvořák". Earsense.org. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
- ^ "Yo-Yo Ma, Dvořák*, Berliner Philharmoniker, Lorin Maazel – Cello Concerto, Op.104 / Rondo, Op.94 / Klid/Waldesruhe, Op.68 No. 5". discogs.com. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ Conductor: Kevin John Edusei; Musician: Sheku Kanneh-Mason; Singer: Jeanine De Bique; Orchestra: Chineke!; Producer: Sasha Duncan; Director: Oliver Macfarlane (8 September 2017). "Chineke!: 2017". The Proms. 15:55 minutes in. BBC. BBC Four. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ "Elgar*, Sol Gabetta / Danish National Symphony Orchestra* / Mario Venzago – Elgar Cello Concerto". discogs.com. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ a b Emily Stoops. Antonin Dvorák: Rondo for cello & orchestra in G minor, B. 181 (Op. 94) at AllMusic
- ^ a b "Rondo for Cello and Orchestra". Antonin Dvorak.cz. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
External links[edit]
- Rondo, Op. 94 (Dvořák): Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
- Video on YouTube, Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello), Kevin John Edusei (conductor), Chineke! Orchestra, BBC Proms 2017
- Animated score on YouTube