Classical Music | Cello Music

Recorded on 09/28/2010, uploaded on 09/28/2010

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Composed in 1891, Dvořák’s Rondo in G minor for cello was dedicated to Hanus Wihan, who also received the dedication of the Cello Concerto that would follow only a few years later. Having toured Bohemia together, Dvořák composed the work as a show piece for Wihan’s abilities. The single movement work begins with a dance-like melody of unhurried pace over a characteristic “oom-pah-pah” accompaniment. This melancholy tune, forming the Rondo’s refrain, gives way to the brighter key of B-flat major and an espressivo melody. Initially, graceful and lyrical the first episode becomes increasing impassioned as it ventures into the neighboring key of C minor. This, however, subsides and peaceful repose returns—this time in a glowing D-flat major and with resonant arpeggios in the cello accompanying the melody in the piano. Closing in that key, Dvořák enacts one his striking modulations, returning to the tonic key of G minor via a single A major triad.

Following a brief reprise of the refrain, Dvořák suddenly leaves behind the melancholy tone for a jubilant second episode in G major and Allegro vivo tempo announced by a full-bodied fortissimo chord in the piano. Cello and piano take turns in stating the triplet motif that begins the episode before the cello takes off in a descending sequence of sixteenth notes. The festive air of the second episode is interrupted briefly by a lyrical melody in E major. Building in excitement, the jubilant G major motif then returns in a passage which seems to vaguely foreshadow the Cello Concerto. Both refrain and first episode are reprised, the latter in G major, giving the piece a sonata-rondo form. Finally, a brief coda draws the piece to a quiet close.      Joseph DuBose