Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904–1987) stands out as one of the most influential Soviet composers of the mid-20th century. He was uniquely dedicated to writing high-quality music for young musicians, while simultaneously creating profound masterpieces for seasoned virtuosos. Among his most celebrated instrumental works are his two cello concertos.
An elegiac movement dedicated to fallen soldiers of World War II, based on a melancholy Russian folk song. imslp kabalevsky cello concerto
The second movement requires absolute rhythmic stability despite its slow tempo. Practice with a metronome clicking eighth or sixteenth notes to avoid rushing the rests. Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904–1987) stands out as one of
The opening movement is structured like a march. It begins with a steady, rhythmic pulse from the strings' pizzicato, over which the cello enters with a striking and energetic theme [12†L19-L23]. The movement has a remarkable ebb and flow, contrasting its vigorous march-like theme with a breezier, more lyrical second theme introduced by the woodwinds. The cello part is full of double-stops, octave passages, and a brief cadenza that builds to an exciting peak, before the movement concludes surprisingly quietly [12†L25-L28]. An elegiac movement dedicated to fallen soldiers of
Written 15 years later, the Second Concerto is a darker, more complex masterpiece dedicated to the legendary cellist .
Unlike the lighter First Concerto, this work reflects the influence of Shostakovich and Kabalevsky’s teacher, Nikolai Myaskovsky. It uses a non-traditional Slow-Fast-Slow movement structure. Musical Language: