Leonovich - Cadenza-Fantasia No. 1 for Cello Solo (after Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol)

Cadenza-Fantasia after Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol is the first in a planned series of improvisatory solo cello pieces based on famous classical works. Drawing on the brilliant color and Spanish character of Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestral showpiece, the work reimagines that material through the lens of a solo cello cadenza.

Cadenza No. 1 was composed in the summer of 2007 in Breckenridge, Colorado, while the composer was at the National Repertory Orchestra. It was written for the NRO’s 2007 principal cellist, Eugena Chang, and was premiered by the composer at the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center in July 2007.

This piece is suitable for early advanced cellists and works well as a recital piece, encore, or virtuosic solo work. Its improvisatory style makes it especially useful for players interested in color, character, fantasy writing, and the transformation of orchestral material into idiomatic solo cello writing.

ASTA level: 4