Serenade

This volume from the popular 'Cellissimo' series contains 30 entertaining performance pieces, mostly from the Romantic period. In addition to three original serenades by Jacques Offenbach, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and the French composer Mel Bonis, the volume contains beautiful character pieces, mostly single-movement forms such as berceuse, elegy, humoresque, meditation, melody, nocturne, romance, tarantella, valse de concert and many more. Expressive lyrical pieces are represented as well as cheerful and virtuoso works. In addition to original works, there are numerous arrangements of popular pieces, including Träumerei by Schumann, Anitra's Dance by Grieg, Après un rêve by Fauré, Salut d'amour by Elgar, or the Vocalise by Rachmaninoff - all pieces that are well suited as concert and encore pieces. However, the booklet also contains rarities and new discoveries, including original works by composing cello virtuosos such as Dotzauer, Offenbach, Goltermann, van Goens, and Trowell, as well as works by composers Mel Bonis, Juliette Dantin, Ethel Harraden, and Claudine Smidt.

The difficulty level is challenging and is aimed at advanced cellists. Many pieces use the 5th-7th position, others have passages in simple thumb position, some with high harmonics. They are therefore very good practice examples for advanced players who want to apply demanding techniques to beautiful literature examples. Last but not least, the demands on expression and design offer a lot of room for cellistic and musical development.