Le Beau - 3 Pieces, Op. 26 (Transcribed for Cello and Piano)

Luise Adolpha Le Beau (1850–1927) published her 3 Pieces, Op. 26, for viola and piano in June 1883. The set contains two Schumannesque works, Nachtstück and Träumerei, as well as the Chopinesque Polonaise. Together, the pieces offer an attractive group of Romantic character works with lyrical writing, expressive variety, and clear musical charm.

This transcription for cello and piano was made with the original intermediate level of the viola version in mind. About half of the music remains in the original octave, while the other half has been brought down an octave. Only a handful of notes were changed in the arpeggios of the Polonaise in order to preserve the voicing naturally on the cello. Otherwise, the original pitches have been retained. The piano part may be considered urtext and can also be performed with the original viola part.

This edition uses the C. F. Kahnt edition from June 1883 as its primary source. Any corrections in the piano part are marked editorially. The slurs, dynamics, articulations, and other markings in the cello part have been retained from the viola part.

These pieces are suitable for intermediate cellists and work well for lessons, recitals, and programs featuring Romantic character pieces or music by women composers.

ASTA level: 2.5–3