Schumann: Konzert in a-Moll, op. 129 (Transcription for Violoncello Solo & String Quartet)

Robert Schumann’s Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra is the first major Romantic work of this genre not to have been composed by a cellist. Nevertheless, Schumann, who worked on this late composition for several years, consulted the cellist Emil Bockmühl, who regularly played chamber music in Schumann’s home. Bockmühl’s fingering and bowing were included in the separate cello part of the first edition published by Breitkopf & Härtel in 1854, in which Schumann was involved. The editor of this new Urtext edition re-evaluated the correspondence between Schumann and Bockmühl and gave it particular weight, as it provides an important insight into the collaboration between the composer and performer.

While preparing his Violoncello Concerto for the publisher Breitkopf & Härtel, Robert Schumann had the idea of arranging the concerto for solo cello and string quartet, in the tradition of arrangements of piano concertos for solo instrument and quartet. He hoped that this would make the work more widely available, especially for private performances. However, Breitkopf & Härtel rejected Schumann’s suggestion.

Now editor Kate Bennett Wadsworth has made a transcription which is presented in this performing edition. The solo cello part is identical to the corresponding part of the Urtext edition of the concerto (BA08839) on which the quartet parts are also based. They have been meticulously arranged and are in keeping with the style of the work.

• Meticulous transcription of Schumann’s orchestral score


• Solo violoncello part corresponds to the Urtext edition of the concerto, edited by Kate Bennett Wadsworth


• Spaciously presented string parts with practical page turns in a large format (25.5cm x 32.5cm)