Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIb:1 for cello and piano by Franz Joseph Haydn
Urtext edition by Sonja Gerlach. Markings by Reiner Ginzel. Published by Henle
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was one of the greatest composers of Western classical music. A ceaseless innovator, he led the transition from the Baroque into the Classical period, refining and inventing many forms and genres and influencing countless composers, notably Mozart and Beethoven, whom he mentored. He became chiefly renowned for his humor, spontaneity, and inventive motivic development. He is known today as the "father" of the symphony and of the string quartet.
Haydn composed many of his masterpieces while in service to Prince Nicolaus Esterhazy, including his Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIb:1 (1765). Like his violin concertos, the cello concerto is a transitional work, incorporating elements of the baroque ritornello form as well as looking forward to the sonata-allegro form of the modern classical concerto. It has become an iconic mainstay of the cello repertory, popular with students and professionals alike. This premium Henle urtext edition contains Haydn's cadenzas, marked and unmarked parts, and critical and historical commentary. Advanced level, Grade 5.