SARASATE – Melodie Rumaine (Rumanian Melody), Op.47, for 4 solo cellos, or cello soloist and larger cello ensemble, or for cello and piano accompaniment – arranged by David Johnstone
PDF 1 – Cello Quartet/Ensemble score
PDF 2 – Cello Soloist part
PDF 3 – Ensemble parts, cellos 2 to 4
PDF 4 – original piano accompaniment
Sarasate composed this mature work in 1901, just seven years before his death. It is a wonderfully poignant and nostalgic character piece of Pablo Sarasate, although it is not a virtuoso piece as such the first solo cellist part is for more competent cellists who can dominate thumb position. The other three parts are much easier but need harmonic care. The piano accompaniment is already in a low playing register so this original functions perfectly well with cello soloist.
WIENIAWSKI – Romance (from Violin Concerto No.2), for Solo Cello with cello ensemble in 3 voices, or with piano or orchestral accompaniment
The Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22, by the Polish violin virtuoso, Henryk Wieniawski, may have been started in 1856, but the first performance did not take place until November 27, 1862, when he played it in St. Petersburg with Anton Rubinstein conducting. It was published in 1879, inscribed to his dear friend Pablo de Sarasate.
Written during the relatively stable period of Wieniawski’s residence in St Petersburg, the second Violin Concerto in D minor, op.22 is generally considered as his finest work. Richly melodic and highly idiomatic the work balances the elements of style dispassionately and serenely. Wieniawski first played the work in St Petersburg on 27 November 1862 under the baton of Anton Rubinstein. The second violin concerto remains one of the most popular violin concertos of the Romantic era, memorable for its lush and moving melodies and harmonies.
Romance: Andante non troppo in B flat major – The slow movement, a Romance, follows without a break from the first movement. It is based on a lilting tune in 12/8 time and rises to an impassioned central climax. It makes for ideal writing for a solo cellist, and is comfortable supported by a cello ensemble – whether by 3 cellos or up to cello orchestra. It is also possible to be performed for cello soloist with a pianist or orchestra (no orchestral parts provided from Johnstone-Music).
David Johnstone dedicates this arrangement to Polish cellist Ola Awtuszewska
