Rondo for Cello and Orchestra (Dvořák)

The Rondo for Cello and Orchestra in G minor, Op. 94, is a composition by Antonín Dvořák. Originally written for cello with piano accompaniment in 1891, it has been performed in recent years by the likes of cellists Yo-Yo Ma, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Sol Gabetta. The Rondo's main theme is among Dvořák's moderately well-known melodies. A typical performance lasts around eight minutes.

Background

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. 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.

Structure

The Rondo contains three themes, presented in the regular rondo form ABACABA. 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.

References

External links

• 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

1. Cello Concerto (Dvořák)
2. Cello concerto
3. Rondo
4. List of compositions by Antonín Dvořák by genre
5. Piano Quintet No. 2 (Dvořák)
6. String Quartet No. 12 (Dvořák)
7. Violin concerto
8. Symphony No. 6 (Dvořák)
9. Cello Concerto No. 1 (Saint-Saëns)
10. A minor
11. List of compositions by Antonín Dvořák
12. List of compositions for cello and orchestra
13. Concerto
14. List of compositions for cello and piano
15. G major
16. Gaspar Cassadó
17. E major
18. Itzhak Perlman
19. F major
20. G minor