Tchaikovsky - Pezzo Capriccioso, Op. 62 (Urtext Edition, Cello and Piano)

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Pezzo capriccioso, Op. 62, is a staple of the cello repertoire, admired for its dramatic intensity, dark lyricism, and brilliant virtuoso writing. Closely associated with cellist Anatoly Brandukov, the work has long been performed in the familiar standard version, though its source history is more complicated than many performers realize.

This new edition is based on three sources: the autograph of the piano version, the autograph of the orchestral version, and the first edition published by Jurgenson. It includes both the standard version and the original version. The piano autograph contains Tchaikovsky’s original cello part, while the orchestral autograph preserves the standard version of the cello part in Brandukov’s hand. This standard version was revised by Brandukov at the composer’s request and was the version premiered in 1889, giving strong evidence that Tchaikovsky approved it. Brandukov’s version also served as the source for the Jurgenson edition. We would like to thank culture.ru for making the manuscripts available for this publication.

Substantial, expressive, and technically demanding, Pezzo capriccioso is essential repertoire for advanced and professional cellists. This edition is well-suited for serious study, lessons, auditions, competitions, and recital or concerto-style performance.

ASTA level: 5