Vanhal - Violonello Solo in A (Urtext Edition)

Johann Baptist Wańhal, also known as Jan Křtitel Vaňhal, wrote several works with solo cello, including four concertos, a Solo for violoncello with bass, and a set of variations. The Violoncello Solo in A is a three-movement sonata with second cello, or basso, accompaniment. The work has not been cataloged by either Bryan or Weinmann, making it a valuable rediscovery within Wańhal’s cello output.

The first and second movements are in binary form, with a recognizable sonata-form structure. In general, the cello writing is similar to that of Wańhal’s contemporary Jean-Louis Duport. The second movement is a slow movement in A minor, while the finale is a theme with ten variations. Three additional variations were supplied by the early hand at Radenín Castle, and these later additions are the most technically demanding in the set. In the source, the basso part is written only once and is expected to be repeated for the variations.

Original clefs are used in the score, while a separate part provides modern clefs. For practical use, the basso part is notated under the theme and all variations, appearing fourteen times instead of only once. The three additional variations are placed in the appendix of this edition. Thank you to the Czech National Museum for putting the source, shelfmark XLIX.C:373, at our disposal.

Elegant, substantial, and historically interesting, the Violoncello Solo in A is well suited for lessons, recitals, Classical-era repertoire study, and cellists interested in exploring eighteenth-century works beyond Haydn and Boccherini.

ASTA level: 3–4