Concerto for Violoncello No.2 in D major (Hob.VIIb:2) (Cello & Piano)

Haydn Concerto for Violoncello No.2 in D major (Hob.VIIb:2) (Cello & Piano)

The Violoncello Concerto in D major of 1783 (Hob. VIIb:2) is one of Joseph Haydn’s few contributions to the virtuoso concerto music of the mature Viennese Classical style.  The other works are the D-major Piano Concerto, composed somewhat earlier, the Concertante for four solo instruments, composed in London in 1792, and the famous concerto for keyed trumpet of 1796.  Haydn’s other surviving solo concertos – including the Violoncello Concerto in C major (Hob. VIIb:1) – belong to his early period, to the 1760’s in particular.

More typical of their genre, Haydn’s later concertos have a generally simpler structure and a sweeter, more graceful thematic writing than the symphonies.  Particularly the Violoncello Concerto is known for its beguiling melodies, whose charm is heightened by their appearance in the upper registers of the cello.

The concerto makes extreme technical demands from the soloist; the Rondo, above all, contains some spectacular octave passages which were undoubtedly a challenge to most cellists in Haydn’s day.

- Urtext of the Haydn Complete Edition

- Full score & parts (BA4675) and study score format 22.5 x 16.5cm (TP292) available for sale