Glinka-Servais - Doubt (Сомнение)

Mikhail Glinka (1804–57) is often called the father of Russian music for his influential work in opera and Russian romance. One of his most popular romances is Сомнение (Doubt). Glinka made several versions of this romance with different instrumentation. The Belgian cellist and composer François Servais (1807–66) transcribed Сомнение for cello and

Mikhail Glinka (1804–57) is often called the father of Russian music for his influential work in opera and Russian romance. One of his most popular romances is Сомнение (Doubt). Glinka made several versions of this romance with different instrumentation. The Belgian cellist and composer François Servais (1807–66) transcribed Сомнение for cello and piano as well as cello and string quintet.

According to Peter François, a leading researcher on Servais's life, Glinka and Servais met in 1854 in Brussels. In 1866, the final year of Servais's life, he played the quintet version of the romance. According to Lev Ginsburg in his History of the Violoncello, quoting Alexander Serov, Servais had already performed Сомнение in 1857. Servais's repertoire included other romances by Glinka as well.

The transcription of Сомнение for cello and piano is in B-flat minor. The original key of the romance is D minor. While the romance is in three strophic stanzas, the transcription only presents one complete stanza in the beginning. After the second stanza, Servais inserts an interpolation, "Majeur," which is more virtuosic. Here he uses figurations that are also found in Concerto Militaire. The transcription then finishes with another stanza in B-flat minor.

Our edition is based on the manuscript housed at the National Library of Russia (Fond No. 891, item 264) in St. Petersburg. The source was graciously provided by the National Library of Russia.