CHOPIN-GLAZUNOV-Johnstone – Etude Op.25 No.7 – 5 CELLOS

Other Identification:
The Study Op. 25 No. 7 in C sharp minor is a study for piano solo composed by Fryderyk Chopin in the year 1834. It is part of his Opus 25, which was written between 1832 and 1836, so it was published together with the eleven other studies from that set in 1837.

This study differs very markedly from the vast majority of Chopin’s studies, as it moves away from virtuosity (although it has complex passages for the left hand) and focuses, instead, on the expressiveness of the phrases and the perfection of the sound, especially in the left hand, which carries the melody for most of the piece. This study is sometimes known as “Au violoncelle” or “Cello”, due to that the low melody of the left hand is reminiscent of the music of cello; possibly Chopin was inspired by the 2nd act of the opera “Norma” by Vicenzo Bellini from 1831 since both the idea of the introduction as a cello solo, and the melody have certain similarities. Not surprisingly therefore, it has been an important piece of recital repertoire by a number of great cellists, such as Daniil Shafran, especially in the transcription of Glazounov that I use as a base, though it has been arranged by others (such as Franchomme and Gtützmacher if I remember correctly!). This makes for a perfect romantic miniature for cello quintet!