Cello Concerto (Schumann)
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The Cello Concerto in A minor by Robert Schumann was completed in 1850, shortly after Schumann became the music director of Düsseldorf. It is considered one of his more daring and adventurous works, due to the length of the exposition and the other-worldly quality of the opening.
The piece is in three movements:
- Nicht zu schnell
- Langsam
- Sehr lebhaft
Like some of Schumann's other concerti, the first movement of the cello concerto begins with a very short orchestral introduction followed by the solo introduction, which in turn is followed by a short tutti that leads into a lyrical melody.
The second movement is a very short lyrical movement in which the soloist occasionally uses double stops. It also features a descending fifth, a gesture used throughout the piece as a signal and homage to his wife, Clara.
Schumann famously abhorred receiving applause between movements. As a result, many of his works, including the cello concerto, contain no break between the last two movements. The third movement features a cadenza followed by a short orchestral ending.
