Apart from his 'classic', the First Concerto, Camille Saint-Saëns composed other works for violoncello, such as his 'Suite' Op. 16. Probably written shortly before its world premiere in 1866, the work is based on the composer's study of tradition, especially of the form of the Baroque suite, integrated in a Romantic tonal language. In the later version with orchestral accompaniment, published here, the composer replaced two movements.
The five-movement suite begins with a prélude reminiscent of Bach which is followed by a pleasant serenade, a stylized gavotte and a sentimental romance before a passionate tarantella puts a virtuoso end to the piece. The enthusiastic, melodic 'Suite' is a valuable addition to the cello repertoire. Besetzung : cello and orchestra op. 16bis
Apart from his 'classic', the First Concerto, Camille Saint-Saëns composed other works for violoncello, such as his 'Suite' Op. 16. Probably written shortly before its world premiere in 1866, the work is based on the composer's study of tradition, especially of the form of the Baroque suite, integrated in a Romantic tonal language. In the later version with orchestral accompaniment, published here, the composer replaced two movements.
The five-movement suite begins with a prélude reminiscent of Bach which is followed by a pleasant serenade, a stylized gavotte and a sentimental romance before a passionate tarantella puts a virtuoso end to the piece. The enthusiastic, melodic 'Suite' is a valuable addition to the cello repertoire. Besetzung : cello and orchestra op. 16bis