Wieniawski - Capriccio-Valse, Op. 7 (Transcribed for cello and piano)

Henryk Wieniawski’s Capriccio-Valse, Op. 7, is an early work dating from 1853 or 1854, written while the composer was still a young virtuoso developing the brilliant and elegant style that would later make him one of the defining violinist-composers of the nineteenth century. Although compact in scale, the piece is highly episodic, moving through a succession of graceful waltz ideas, delicate virtuoso effects, and charming contrasts while remaining almost entirely in E major.

The work opens with an extended introduction played almost exclusively by the piano before the cello enters with the main valse lente theme. The principal A section has a rondo-like character and includes three main ideas: the lyrical valse lente theme, a Ländler-style theme, and an up-bow staccato theme embedded within the Ländler episode. The contrasting middle section introduces another valse lente theme, followed by a faster waltz passage featuring alternating pizzicato, arco playing, and harmonics. Apart from brief tonicizations of G-sharp minor, G major, and B major, the piece remains centered in E major throughout.

This transcription is based on the first edition published by Kistner, whose dedication, like the autograph, is to Wieniawski’s friend Adalbert Wilkoszewski. A French first edition was later issued by Girod in 1858 with a new dedication to Teresa Milanollo, though the reason for the change is unknown. The Girod edition was completely re-engraved and contains several clear pitch errors, rhythmic variants, and fewer dynamics in both the solo part and the piano score.

With the exception of the coda, this transcription keeps the cello part an octave below the original violin part while preserving Wieniawski’s dynamics and articulation as much as possible. Some slurring has been adjusted to make the passagework more idiomatic for the cello without obscuring the character of the original. Unlike Luigi Silva’s earlier cello transcription, which replaces the written-out return of the A section with a dal segno, this edition preserves Wieniawski’s small but meaningful changes in rhythm and dynamics when the section returns.

Elegant, virtuosic, and full of charm, Capriccio-Valse is well suited for recitals, lessons, competitions, and advanced cellists looking for a brilliant Romantic showpiece beyond the standard cello repertoire.

ASTA level: 4