Welcome to this curated list of available editions for the standard cello repertoire. This resource is intended to assist students and teachers in selecting appropriate repertoire for study and performance.
Each work includes an ASTA grade level from 1 through 6, based on the syllabus recommendations:
- Grade 1: easy keys such as D, G, and C major; simple rhythmic structures in 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4; limited to first position
- Grade 2: keys include D, G, C, F, B-flat, and A major, and D and G minor; more varied bowings and rhythms; use of 1 through 4 positions
- Grade 3: introduction of tenor clef; use of 1 through 7 positions; thumb on the center harmonic; longer slurs and more complex bowing patterns; simple double stops
- Grade 4: use of thumb position and treble clef; more advanced double stops
- Grades 5 and 6: use of all positions, advanced bowing styles, and complex double stop writing
Each work also includes currently available editions and editorial recommendations. Editions are grouped according to their intended pedagogical use:
Urtext/Critical: based on original sources
Performance: includes useful fingerings and bowings
Non-performance: no useful fingerings or bowings, and not based on original sources
These categories are descriptive rather than prescriptive. In many cases, students may successfully continue working from an edition they already own, with appropriate guidance regarding editorial markings or source deviations.
If you would like to suggest a work for inclusion, I would be happy to consider it.
A note regarding collaborative repertoire
Piano parts in sonatas labeled “for Piano and Cello” or “for Cello and Piano” are not accompaniments in the pedagogical sense. These are equal chamber parts and are typically equivalent to ASTA Grade 6 for the pianist. It is not uncommon for pianists to require six to twelve months to prepare these works.
Baroque piano reductions and basso continuo realizations are typically Grades 2 to 3 for the pianist. Classical and Romantic piano reductions are generally Grades 4 to 5. Twentieth and twenty-first century piano reductions are frequently Grades 5 to 6. Bach’s Gamba Sonatas are approximately Grades 4 to 5 for the harpsichord or piano.
Please plan accordingly.
I serve as the editor of several published performing editions, some of which are included in this list. Recommendations reflect pedagogical considerations, source reliability, and practical usability rather than publisher affiliation.
Alkan
Sonate de concert for Piano and Cello, Op. 47
Grade 5
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter
Non-performance Edition(s): Gerard Billaudot Editeur, LudwigMasters Publications
Note: Bärenreiter is the best choice for this piece. Unfortunately, it's currently out of print. There is a copy on IMSLP; check if it's in the public domain in your country. Gerard Billaudot is way too expensive for what it is; I don't think this piece is worth $70. LudwigMasters is badly engraved.
Bach, C.P.E.
Concerto in A major, H. 439
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Eulenburg/Kunzelmann, YL Edition
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): cpebach.org, Eulenburg/Kunzelmann, YL Edition
Arrangements: IMC (Cassado, in F major), Salabert (Pollain)
Note: You may learn more about my edition from this article. The Kunzelmann edition contains a number of errors and presents page-turn challenges in the solo part. The cpebach.org edition offers improved textual reliability, though similar page-turn issues remain in the solo material.
Bach, J.S.
3 Gamba Sonatas, BWV 1027-1029
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Breitkopf (Klengel), Henle, Peters (Grützmacher), IMC (Klengel)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle
Bach, J.S.
6 Suites, BWV 1007-1012
Grade 3 (no. 1), 4 (nos. 2-3), 5 (nos. 4-5), 6 (no. 6)
Performance Edition(s): Bärenreiter (Wenzinger), Henle (Ginzel), Peer Music (Starker)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bach Gesellschaft (reprinted by Dover), Henle (based on AMB), YL Edition (based on Kellner and Westphal), Wiener Urtext (based on Westphal and Traeg)
Note: Because of the large number of available Bach Suite editions, only selected recommendations are listed here. The newer Bärenreiter (Talle) edition is not recommended for student or instructional use; this edition incorporates editorial alterations not supported by the primary manuscript sources. The Dover reprint of the Bach-Gesellschaft edition is a reliable critical text for the first five Suites (the Sixth Suite being notated in bass, alto and soprano clefs) and is freely available on IMSLP.
Barber
Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 6
Grade 5
First Edition (non-performance): Schirmer
Note: This edition omits several dynamic markings that were later added by hand in studio copies used by students and associates of Orlando Cole.
Barber
Concerto, Op. 22
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Schirmer (Garbousova)
Note: Several passages in this edition present interpretive and performance practice challenges. A more detailed discussion may be found in the accompanying article.
Beethoven
5 Sonatas for Piano and Cello, Opp. 5, 69, and 102
Grades 4 (nos. 1-2) and 5 (nos. 3-5)
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Geringas), IMC (Fournier), Schirmer (Starker), Peters (Schulz)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle
Beethoven
Variations for Piano and Cello, Op. 66, WoO 45 and 46
Grades 4 (WoO 45 and 46) and 5 (Op. 66)
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Geringas), Schirmer (Starker), Peters (Stutschewsky)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle
Berteau
6 Sonatas (for Cello and Basso Continuo)
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Grancino (under Martino), IMC (Rose, only G major), Ricordi (Salmon, under Sammartini)
First Edition: Richomme
Note: The G major sonata has been erroneously published under the name Sammartini for decades. These sonatas may be performed by two cellos (the final sonata by three cellos).
Bloch
Jewish Life (3 pieces for Cello and Piano)
Grade 4
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
First Edition: Carl Fischer
Note: Currently available as part of a collection with other works for cello and piano by Bloch.
Bloch
Schelomo
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): YL Edition
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
First Edition: Schirmer
Note: The Schirmer cello solo part contains a number of textual errors. A discussion of these and the editorial approach of the YL Edition may be found in the accompanying article. The Urtext Edition is available in both marked and unmarked versions.
Boccherini
Concerto No. 1, G. 477
Grade 5
Non-performance Edition(s): Ricordi/Zanibon and Schott
Note: Parts of the first and third movements were used by Grützmacher in his Concerto in B-flat major based on Boccherini's themes.
Boccherini
Concerto No. 2, G. 479
Grade 5
Non-performance Edition(s): Ricordi/Zanibon and Schott
Note: Two additional editions that continue to circulate in library collections—Muzyka (Aslamazyan) and Ricordi (Respighi)—reflect substantial editorial intervention, including recomposition and reorchestration.
Boccherini
Concerto No. 3, G. 480
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Edition Delrieu (Gendron)
Non-performance Edition(s): Ricordi/Zanibon and Schott
Note: The second movement was used by Grützmacher in his Concerto in B-flat major based on Boccherini's themes.
Boccherini
Concerto No. 9, G. 482
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Édition Delrieu (Gendron)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Reinhardt (Sturzenegger)
Non-performance Edition(s): Ricordi/Zanibon
Note: Parts of the first and third movements were used by Grützmacher in his Concerto in B-flat major based on Boccherini's themes.
Boccherini
Cello Sonatas (for Cello and Basso Continuo)
Grades 5-6
Performance Edition(s): Ricordi (Paternoster, 19 sonatas), Ricordi (Piatti, 6 sonatas), Zanibon (Pais, complete)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Ricordi (Paternoster), Zanibon (Pais)
Brahms
Sonata No. 1 for Piano and Cello, Op. 38
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Kanngiesser), IMC (Rose), Peters (Klengel), Wiener Urtext (Boettcher)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Breitkopf (Hans Gal, reprinted by Dover), Henle, Wiener Urtext
Brahms
Sonata No. 2 for Piano and Cello, Op. 99
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Kanngiesser), IMC (Rose), Peters (Klengel), Wiener Urtext (Boettcher)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Breitkopf (Hans Gal, reprinted by Dover), Henle, Wiener Urtext
Breval
6 Sonatas, Op. 40 (for 2 Cellos)
Grade 2
Performance Edition(s): Artistic Score Engraving (Leonovich), Henle (Klein, no. 1 only)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Artistic Score Engraving, Güntersberg
Note: These sonatas should be played by 2 cellos, not with piano accompaniment. Some of these sonatas were arranged into "concertos" and "concertinos" by Feuillard, published by Delrieu. These Feuillard arrangements do not contain any music from Breval's own concertos.
Breval
Sonatas Op. 28 (for 2 Cellos)
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Artistic Score Engraving (Leonovich)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Artistic Score Engraving
Note: These sonatas should be played by 2 cellos, not with piano accompaniment. Some of these sonatas were arranged into "concertos" and "concertinos" by Feuillard, published by Delrieu. These Feuillard arrangements do not contain any music from Breval's own concertos.
Breval
Sonatas Op. 12 (for 2 Cellos)
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Artistic Score Engraving (Leonovich), IMC (Cassado, no. 5 only), Schott (Cahnbley, no.5 only)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Artistic Score Engraving
Note: These sonatas should be played by 2 cellos, not with piano accompaniment. Op. 12/6 slow movement was arranged by Feuillard into the slow movement of "Concerto No.2," published by Delrieu. This Feuillard arrangement does not contain any music from Breval's own concertos.
Bridge
Sonata for Cello and Piano (1913-1917)
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Boosey
Note: The Boosey edition of this work is a reprint of the Winthrop Rogers edition, which is also available on IMSLP.
Britten
Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 65
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Boosey (Rostropovich)
Britten
3 Suites for Solo Cello, Opp. 72, 80, and 87
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Faber (Rostropovich)
Bruch
Kol Nidrei, Op. 47
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (part of the Contest Album), Henle (Poltéra), IMC (Rose)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Casadesus
Viola Concerto in C minor (formerly attributed to J.C. Bach)
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Salabert (arr. Marechal)
Note: This kind of work is called a "musical hoax" in the scholarly community. It was composed by a 20th-century violist for viola in a neo-romantic style. Two Salabert editions are currently in circulation, differing primarily in their typesetting. In teaching contexts, the more recent re-engraved edition available through Shar and other retailers may present practical readability concerns compared to earlier printings.
Cassadó
Requiebros
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Schott (Cassadó)
Cassadó
Toccata (formerly attributed to Frescobaldi)
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Universal (Cassadó)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: This kind of work is called a "musical hoax" in the scholarly community.
Cassadó
Suite for Solo Cello
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Universal (Cassadó)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition (in preparation)
Chopin
Sonata for Piano and Cello, Op. 65
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Kanngiesser), IMC (Fournier), Peters (Grützmacher), Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle, Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne
Chopin
Introduction and Polonaise Brillante for Piano and Cello, Op. 3
Grades vary by edition/arrangement
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Kanngiesser, Grade 4), IMC (arr. Rose, Grade 6), Peters (Grützmacher, Grade 4), Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne, Schirmer (arr. Graudan, Grade 6), Schott (arr. Gendron-Francaix, Grade 6)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle (Original, Grade 4), Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne (Original, Grade 4)
Dall'Abaco
11 Caprices for Solo Cello
Grades 4-5
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Hamrefors (on IMSLP), YL Edition, White Prince Edition
Davydov (Davidoff)
Romance sans paroles
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): Muzyka, Schott
Davydov (Davidoff)
At the Fountain
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rose)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Debussy
Sonata for Cello and Piano
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Ginzel)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
First Edition: Durand (available on IMSLP)
Dotzauer-Klingenberg
113 Studies
Grades 1-5 (progressive)
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (1-62 only), IMC, Schirmer
Note: The 113 Studies is a four-volume set compiled and edited by Klingenberg and does not reflect Dotzauer’s original markings, fingerings, or dynamics. Dotzauer composed over 200 solo cello etudes (and caprices), which may be explored in the context of their respective Op. numbers, beginning with Op. 120.
Duport
21 Studies (Essai sur le doigté du violoncelle)
Grades 3-6
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Schmidt), Schirmer (Schulz)
Note: These etudes are most beneficial when studied with the second cello part (by the teacher). The Bärenreiter (Rummel), Litolff (Klingenberg), and Peters (Grützmacher) editions incorporate editorial fingerings and markings that at times diverge from the fingering approach outlined in Duport’s original études. The Schirmer edition also contains a small number of apparent note errors in Nos. 9, 10, and 12. A brief list of these discrepancies is available upon request.
Dvořák
Concerto, Op. 104
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Breitkopf (Schiff), IMC (Rose), Schirmer (Starker)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Breitkopf, Henle, YL Edition (comparative edition)
Note: Because there are dozens of editions of this work, I am only including the editions I would recommend. Read my article about my comparative edition for information on textual variants. The currently available Simrock edition (and its Kalmus reprint) is not recommended. Supraphon has published an Urtext orchestral score (available on IMSLP), though the cello part issued with the piano reduction incorporates substantial editorial markings.
Dvořák
Rondo, Op. 94
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Ginzel), IMC (Rose), Wiener Urtext (Rivinius)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle, Wiener Urtext
Note: The Wiener Urtext edition represents a good value, as this work is included in a Dvořák collection with three additional pieces.
Dvořák
Silent Woods, Op. 68, No. 5
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Ginzel), IMC (Stutch), Wiener Urtext (Rivinius)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle, Wiener Urtext
First Edition: Simrock (available on IMSLP)
Note: The Wiener Urtext edition represents a good value, as this work is included in a Dvořák collection with three additional pieces. In the Simrock and IMC editions, be aware of three incorrect notes in the cello part three measures before the end, as well as a missing B-double-flat in the piano part in m. 4. The Simrock edition available on IMSLP uses the old treble clef in place of the tenor clef; some cellists may not mind this peculiarity.
Elgar
Concerto, Op. 85
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Masters Music (Colon)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Novello (published in 2010s)
First Edition: Novello (and Masters Music reprint available on IMSLP)
Falla
Suite Populaire Espagnole
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Eschig (arr. Marechal)
Falla
Ritual Fire Dance and Dance of Terror
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Chester (arr. Piatigorsky)
Fauré
Apres un reve, Op. 7/1
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): IMC (arr. Casals)
Note: This song comes from a cycle of Trois (3) mélodies, Op. 7. The other 2 songs lie well on the cello as well, if you enjoy exploring the vocal repertoire.
Fauré
Elegie, Op. 24
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rose), Schirmer (Deri)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle, Peters (part of a collection)
Fauré
Sicilienne, Op. 78
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): IMC
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Peters (part of a collection)
Fauré
Sonata No. 1 for Piano and Cello, Op. 109
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Geringas)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
First edition: Durand (available on IMSLP)
Note: Be aware that the Henle edition omits Fauré’s original rehearsal letters, which may make the use of mixed editions more labor-intensive in rehearsal. The Durand first edition works well and is available on IMSLP.
Fauré
Sonata No. 2 for Piano and Cello, Op. 117
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Geringas)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
First edition: Durand (available on IMSLP)
Note: Be aware that the Henle edition omits Fauré’s original rehearsal letters, which may make the use of mixed editions more labor-intensive in rehearsal. The Durand first edition works well and is available on IMSLP.
Foss
Capriccio
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (Piatigorsky)
Franchomme
12 Caprices, Op. 7
Grade 4-5
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Klengel), Schott (Becker)
Note: The Klengel edition incorporates substantial editorial intervention, including additional notes and a large cut in No. 7. The Becker edition is generally closer to the original musical text but includes hundreds of added dynamic markings and articulations. Both are available on IMSLP.
Franck-Delsart
Sonata for Piano and Violin (Transcribed for cello)
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Poltéra), IMC (Rose)
Note: In this case, the Henle edition cannot be considered Urtext, as the work is an arrangement of a violin original; nevertheless, it is prepared to a high editorial and engraving standard.
Gabrielli
7 Ricerceri for Solo Cello
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): Schott
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter (with scordatura)
Glazunov
Melodie and Serenade espagnole, Op. 20
Grade 4
Non-Performance Edition(s): Peters
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
First Edition: Belaieff
Glazunov
Chant du Menestrel, Op. 71
Grade 4
Non-Performance Edition(s): IMC (copy of Belaieff)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
First Edition: Belaieff
Goltermann
Concerto No. 3, Op. 51
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (Shultz), IMC (Klengel)
Goltermann
Concerto No. 4, Op. 65
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): Artistic Music Engraving (Carneiro), IMC (Rose), Schirmer (van Vliet)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Artistic Music Engraving
Granados (arr. Cassadó)
Intermezzo from Goyescas
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Schirmer
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Grieg
Sonata for Piano and Cello, Op. 36
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Geringas), IMC (Rose), Peters
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Grützmacher
24 Technical Studies, Op. 38 (in 2 volumes)
Grades 2-6 (progressive)
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Klengel), Peters (Klengel)
Note: The Bärenreiter edition (Rummel) incorporates editorial fingerings and markings that may diverge from the pedagogical approach reflected in the original études.
Haydn
Concerto in C, Hob VIIb: 1
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Ginzel), IMC (Rostropovich), Peters (Bosbach)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle, YL Edition (solo part only)
Haydn
Concerto in D, Hob VIIb: 2
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Ginzel), Schott (Gendron), Peters (Storck)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle, Peters (Storck)
Note: The Breitkopf (Gevaert), IMC (Gevaert–Rose), and Kalmus (Klengel) editions reflect arrangements that are not fully compatible with orchestral parts for the original version.
Herbert
Concerto No. 1, Op. 8
Grade 6
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Herbert
Concerto No. 2, Op. 30
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rose), YL Edition (in preparation)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition (in preparation)
Hindemith
Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 25, No. 3
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Schott (old edition)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Schott (new edition)
Janácek
Pohadka, for Piano and Cello
Grade 5
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Supraphon
Note: Supraphon is available on IMSLP.
Kabalevsky
Concerto No. 1, Op. 49
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): IMC, Leeds, Sikorski
Kabalevsky
Concerto No. 2, Op. 77
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Sikorski (Shafran)
Note: There are 3 different printings of this piece. I discuss these in this article.
Klengel
Concertino No. 1, Op. 7
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Breitkopf (Klengel), IMC (Rose), YL Edition (Klengel, corrected)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition (also orchestrated)
Note: Here is an article about my orchestration.
Kodaly
Sonata for Solo Cello Op. 8
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Masters Music (Colon)
First Edition: Universal
Lalo
Concerto
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rose), Peters (Klengel), Schirmer (Deri)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle
Lee
40 Études mélodiques et progressives, Op.31 (in 2 vols.)
Grades 3 (vol. 1) and 4 (vol. 2)
First Edition: Aulagnier (Lee)
Performance Edition(s) (all with cuts!): Carl Fischer (Becker), IMC (Becker), Schirmer (Schulz), Schott
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Notes: All performance editions listed above contain major cuts by Hugo Becker in Nos. 10, 14, 22, 24, 28, 29, 35, and 36. Some passages are recomposed by Becker to accommodate these cuts, including in No. 11. The Schott edition is newly engraved and based on Becker’s version; in this printing, the etudes are often spread across three pages, introducing additional page turns and occasional errors such as wrong notes, missing time or key signatures, and misplaced repeats.
Ligeti
Sonata (1948-1953)
Grade 6
First Edition: Schott
Locatelli
Sonata in D major
Grade 6
Performance edition(s): Artaria (arr. Starkweather), IMC (arr. Piatti, reprint of Schott), Schott (arr. Piatti)
Note: This piece is a compilation of two violin sonatas: Op. 6/6 (first and third movements) and Op. 6/12 (second movement). The Artaria edition includes arrangements of both violin sonatas in their entirety. The Schott edition (reprinted by IMC) is freely available on IMSLP.
Mendelssohn
Sonata No. 1 for Piano and Cello, Op. 45
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Kanngiesser), Peters (Cahnbley)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle
Note: Bärenreiter and Peters are a part of a Mendelssohn complete cello music collection.
Mendelssohn
Sonata No. 2 for Piano and Cello Op. 58
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Kanngiesser), Peters (Cahnbley)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle
Note: Bärenreiter and Peters are a part of a Mendelssohn complete cello music collection.
Mendelssohn
Song without words for Cello and Piano, Op. 109
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Kanngiesser), Peters (Cahnbley)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle
Note: Bärenreiter and Peters are a part of a Mendelssohn complete cello music collection
Mendelssohn
Variations Piano and Cello, Op. 17
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Kanngiesser), Peters (Cahnbley)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle
Note: Bärenreiter and Peters are a part of a Mendelssohn complete cello music collection
Paganini
24 Caprices, Op. 1
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Ricordi (Silva)
Note: Ricordi has Silva's preparatory exercises for each Caprice.
Paganini
Variations on one string
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Fournier), Ricordi (Silva)
Piatti
12 Caprices, Op. 25
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Piatti), Ricordi (Silva), Simrock (Piatti)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Note: My students have used the Simrock edition from IMSLP with great success. The Ricordi edition includes Silva’s preparatory exercises for each Caprice, though page turns may not always be practical. The Henle edition also contains a small number of apparent note errors; a brief list of these discrepancies is available upon request.
Popper
Elfentanz, Op. 39
Grade 6
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (Rostropovich), Faber (Isserlis), IMC (Fournier)
Note: IMC (Cassadó), currently out of print, is shorter and has a recomposed piano part (a little more avant-garde)
Popper
High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73
Performance Edition(s): Bärenreiter (Rummel), IMC (Popper, reprint), Paladino (Rummel, revised), Schirmer (Popper, reprint)
First Edition: Hofmeister
Note: The Paladino (Rummel) edition is the closest to an urtext among the editions listed here. The Dover edition (Yablonsky) contains numerous textual and engraving issues and is not recommended for study or performance.
Popper
Hungarian Rhapsody, Op. 68
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (Malkin), Hofmeister (Popper, reprinted by Kalmus), IMC (Rose), Schirmer (Starker, part of a collection)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition (Popper)
Notes: Carl Fischer and Schirmer simplify a few passages, including the upper register scales and chords in the fast sections.
Popper
Im Walde, Op. 50
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Bärenreiter (Rummel),
First Edition: Rahter
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Popper
Tarantella, Op. 33
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rose), Rahter (Popper), Schirmer (Starker, part of a collection)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Poulenc
Sonata for Cello and Piano
Grade 6
Performance Edition (First Edition): Heugel (Fournier)
Note: There is also a revised edition in 1953.
Prokofiev
Sinfonia Concertante, Op. 125
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Boosey (Rostropovich)
Note: Read my article about the musical text in Prokofiev's manuscript.
Prokofiev
Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 119
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rostropovich), Peters (Rostropovich)
Note: The Sikorski edition is not recommended; a detailed discussion of the underlying issues is provided in the linked article. The recent Henle edition is based on the composer’s autograph, which represents an earlier stage in the work’s development rather than the text approved for publication. Unlike the Sinfonia Concertante, Prokofiev oversaw the publication of the Sonata during his lifetime, and the authorized printed edition therefore reflects his final revisions. As such, the autograph may be of scholarly interest, but does not carry the same textual authority for performance purposes.
Rachmaninov
Sonata for Piano and Cello, Op. 19
Grade 5
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
First Edition: Gutheil (reprinted by Boosey, IMC, Jurgenson)
Note: No currently available major-publisher edition appears to be free of misprints. A corrected cello part is available through YL Edition; a detailed discussion of the issues present in existing editions is provided in the accompanying article.
Rachmaninov
Vocalise, Op. 34/14
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rose)
Note: The Vocalise is the last in a set of 14 Romances that are all well worth exploring. Op. 4 Romances also work great on the cello.
Reger
3 Suites, Op. 131c
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Ginzel), IMC (Kurtz)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
First Edition: Simrock (available on IMSLP)
Romberg
Sonata Op. 43/1
Grade 2
Performance Edition(s): IMC
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: Romberg’s Op. 43 sonatas were composed as pedagogical works for two cellos (student and teacher). Jansen, editor of the IMC edition, was a pianist rather than a cellist. The earlier IMC edition preserves most of Romberg’s original fingerings and bowings. The newer IMC (Solow) edition retains the original piano part but introduces a newly engraved cello part that may present readability concerns in practice.
Romberg
Sonata Op. 43/2
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): IMC, YL Edition (Romberg)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: Romberg’s Op. 43 sonatas were composed as pedagogical works for two cellos (student and teacher). Jansen, editor of the IMC edition, was a pianist rather than a cellist. The earlier IMC edition preserves most of Romberg’s original fingerings and bowings. The newer IMC (Solow) edition retains the original piano part but introduces a newly engraved cello part that may present readability concerns in practice.
Romberg
Sonata Op. 43/3
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): IMC, YL Edition (Romberg)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: Romberg’s Op. 43 sonatas were composed as pedagogical works for two cellos (student and teacher). Jansen, editor of the IMC edition, was a pianist rather than a cellist. The earlier IMC edition preserves most of Romberg’s original fingerings and bowings. The newer IMC (Solow) edition retains the original piano part but introduces a newly engraved cello part that may present readability concerns in practice.
Romberg
Sonata Op. 38/1 (Trio)
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): IMC, YL Edition (Romberg)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: Romberg’s Op. 38 sonatas were composed as pedagogical works for two cellos and viola. Jansen, editor of the IMC edition, was a pianist rather than a cellist. The earlier IMC edition preserves most of Romberg’s original fingerings and bowings. The newer IMC (Solow) edition retains the original piano part but introduces a newly engraved cello part that may present readability concerns in practice.
Romberg
Sonatas Op. 38/2-3 (Trio)
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): IMC, YL Edition (Romberg)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: Romberg’s Op. 38 sonatas were composed as pedagogical works for two cellos and viola. Jansen, editor of the IMC edition, was a pianist rather than a cellist. The earlier IMC edition preserves most of Romberg’s original fingerings and bowings. The newer IMC (Solow) edition retains the original piano part but introduces a newly engraved cello part that may present readability concerns in practice.
Saint-Saëns
Allegro Appassionato, Op. 43
Grade 3-4
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (as part of 15 Contest Pieces), Henle (Geringas), IMC (Rose)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle, YL Edition
Notes: This work also appears in the Saint-Saëns collection published by Faber with Isserlis’s markings. While not among the primary recommendations listed above, the preface contains useful contextual information.
Saint-Saëns
Concerto No. 1, Op. 33
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (Malkin), Henle (Geringas), IMC (Rose)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Note: Carl Fischer and IMC are only good for fingerings and bowings.
Saint-Saëns
Concerto No. 2, Op. 119
Grade 6
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition (first edition with modern clefs)
Note: Read my article about this edition.
Saint-Saëns
Sonata No. 1 for Piano and Cello, Op. 32
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Geringas), IMC
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Note: The Durand edition on IMSLP is a great option.
Saint-Saëns
Sonata No. 2 for Piano and Cello, Op. 123
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Geringas)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Note: The Durand edition on IMSLP is a great option.
Saint-Saëns
Suite Op. 16b
Grade 5
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: Read my article about the YL Edition.
Saint-Saëns
The Swan
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer (as part of 15 Contest Pieces), Henle (Geringas), IMC (Rose)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle, YL Edition
Notes: This work also appears in the Saint-Saens collection published by Faber with Isserlis's markings. It wouldn't be my top choice, but the preface has some good information.
Schubert
Sonata "Arpeggione" for Cello and Piano, D. 821
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Ginzel), IMC (Rose)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Bärenreiter, Henle, YL Edition
Note: Henle and YL Edition are the most cello-friendly editions.
Schumann
Adagio and Allegro for Piano and Cello, Op. 70
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Hess), IMC (Kurtz), Peters (Grützmacher), YL Edition (urtext piano part)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Note: IMC has a pitch error in m. 89, note 1 (needs to be A-flat). IMC has a pitch error in m. 67, note 3 (needs to be D-natural).
Schumann
Concerto, Op. 129
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Bärenreiter (Bockmühl), Breitkopf (Klengel), Breitkopf Urtext (Schiff), Carl Fischer (Feuermann), IMC (Rose)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: A clean, unmarked cello solo part is available in the YL Edition. Bärenreiter also offers an urtext edition; however, the cello part and score include Bockmühl’s fingerings, making it function more as a performance edition in practice. The Breitkopf “Urtext” edition likewise includes Schiff’s fingerings and bowings. The recent Peters “Urtext” edition, edited by Josephine Knight, presents several research and editorial inconsistencies that may warrant caution in performance or study contexts.
Schumann
Fantasiestücke for Piano and Cello, Op. 73
Grade 4
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Ginzel), Peters (Grützmacher)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Schumann
Fünf Stücke im Volkston, Op. 102
Grade 4-5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Geringas), IMC (Davidoff/Davydov, Pohle reprint), Peters (Grutzmacher)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle
Note: The IMC (Davidoff) edition uses the old treble clef in place of the tenor clef; some cellists may not mind this. Grützmacher’s edition is very good and is available on IMSLP.
Servais
6 Caprices, Op. 11 (2nd cello ad lib.)
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Gérard Billaudot (Tournus, with new piano part), IMC (Becker), Schott (Becker), Ricordi (Filippini)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
First Edition: Schott (Servais, 1852)
Servais
Souvenir de Spa
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Stutch)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
First Edition: Schott, Richault
Ševčík
40 Variations, Op. 3 (Bowing Technique)
Grades 3 and 4
Performance Edition(s): Bosworth (arr. Feuillard)
Note: Whether purchased or downloaded from IMSLP, the musical text is the same and contains the same note errors. For example, in Variation 17, m. 15, note 1 should be B-natural rather than B-flat. In many studio copies, such discrepancies have been corrected by hand.
Shostakovich
Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 40
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): DSCH (Rostropovich?) IMC (Rose), Peters (Rostropovich)
Note: A discussion of the textual basis and authenticity of the DSCH edition may be found in the accompanying article.
Shostakovich
Concerto No. 1, Op. 107
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rostropovich)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): DSCH
Note: The Sikorski edition presents glossy paper and page turn challenges that may affect readability in performance contexts.
Shostakovich
Concerto No. 2, Op. 126
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rostropovich)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): DSCH
Note: The Sikorski edition presents glossy paper and page turn challenges that may affect readability in performance contexts.
Squire
Danse Rustique, Op. 20/5
Grade 2
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer
Squire
Bourree, Op. 24
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer
Note: Stylistically, this piece is a gavotte, not a bourree. This piece is also in the 15 Contest Pieces collection.
Squire
Tarantella, Op. 23
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): Carl Fischer
Strauss
Don Quixote, Op. 35
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Rose), Masters Music (Colon), Peters
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Breitkopf
Note: The Masters Music (Colon) edition may be useful for fingerings and bowings, though its engraving and system spacing may affect readability in performance. The Vaught edition likewise uses smaller staff and note sizes with dense system layout that may present similar challenges.
Strauss
Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 6
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): Henle (Moser), IMC (Rose)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Henle, Schott (complete edition sonata volume for €270.00)
First Edition: Aibl (reprinted by Universal)
Note: The IMC edition is a commonly used performing edition; the Aibl first edition is also available on IMSLP. Take care not to purchase the Schott “1st Version.”
Stravinsky
Suite Italienne for Cello and Piano
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Boosey (Piatigorsky)
Note: Read my article about the reliability of the Boosey edition.
Tchaikovsky
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): IMC (Fitzenhagen-Rose), Simrock (Fitzenhagen-Geringas), YL Edition - Original and Standard
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition - Original and Standard, Peters (Wallfisch, spurious), Schott (spurious)
Note: A discussion of the editorial approach of the YL Edition may be found in the accompanying article. The Peters and Schott editions are based largely on the Kubatsky revision rather than the autograph manuscript. The IMC edition also contains a number of apparent textual discrepancies. The autograph manuscript is available on IMSLP for comparison.
Tchaikovsky
Pezzo Capriccioso, Op. 62
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): IMC
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: The Schott (Gendron) edition presents a substantially recomposed version of the work that differs from Tchaikovsky’s original text.
Telemann (arr. Leonovich)
12 Fantasias for Viola da gamba
Grades 4 and 5
Performance Edition(s): YL Edition
Vivaldi
9 Sonatas for Cello and Basso Continuo
Grade 3
Performance Edition(s): Artistic Score Engraving (Leonovich), IMC (Rose), Schirmer (Graudan)
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): Artistic Score Engraving, Wiener Urtext
Note: The Bärenreiter edition contains a number of apparent errors in the bass realization. The IMC realization adopts a more modern style that may prove impractical in continuo performance contexts.
Vivaldi
26 Concertos
Note: See the article specifically dedicated to the concertos, breaking down the level of each work.
Walton
Concerto
Grade 6
Performance Edition(s): Oxford (Piatigorsky)
Note: This edition has been recently updated to include an alternative ending.
Weber
Grand Potpourri, Op. 20
Grade 5
Performance Edition(s): YL Edition
Urtext/Critical Edition(s): YL Edition
Note: Read my article about the YL Edition. A copy is available through my website store. The Kunzelmann edition (Beyer) contains numerous textual and engraving issues and is not recommended for performance or study.