Pieces/ Camille Saint-Saëns/ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor

Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor Op. 33

celloromanticconcerto~20 minvirtuoso

A compact, single-movement concerto in three connected sections that unfolds with irresistible momentum. The opening theme bursts in immediately with urgent energy. Saint-Saëns masterfully balances virtuoso display with elegant French lyricism, and the work has remained one of the most popular cello concertos since its 1873 premiere.

This piece has no signed contributions yet.

Write the first performer's note, a practice note on a specific passage, or an interpretive school you'd defend in front of colleagues.

Movements

I. Allegro non troppo

A minor · 4/4

II. Allegretto con moto

B-flat major · 3/4

III. Tempo primo

A minor · 4/4
Editions

Durand

Original publication · 1873

The original Durand edition, published in the composer's lifetime. The standard French source.

Henle Verlag

Peter Jost · 2016

Urtext edition based on autograph and first edition. Clear engraving with critical notes.

International Music Company

Leonard Rose · 1960

Practical performance edition with bowings and fingerings by one of the great American cellists.

Recordings
Pedagogical arc

Prepare with

Natural next

External references