Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major
Orchestra: 2 oboes, 2 horns and strings
Program Notes by Martin Pearlman
Haydn listed a cello concerto in C major in his thematic catalogue of his own works, but the piece was thought to be lost, until a set of manuscript parts was found in 1961 in a collection in Prague. Since then, it has become a popular concerto with cellists, due to its virtuosic writing for the instrument and its bright, youthful character. It is an early work from the first years of Haydn's employment with Prince Esterházy, that is, from the early 1760's. Because the writing is similar to the significant cello solos in some of Haydn's symphonies from that time, particularly symphonies nos. 6-8, it is thought probably to have been written for Joseph Weigl, a virtuoso cellist in the prince's orchestra at the time and a close friend of Haydn. The orchestration calls for two oboes, two horns and strings, and it would presumably include a continuo harpsichord or other continuo instruments, as well.
Boston Baroque Performances
Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major
March 13, 1982
NEC’s Jordan Hall, Boston, MA
Martin Pearlman, conductor
Soloist:
Anner Bylsma, cello