Edouard Lalo · Professional · cello
How to play Cello Concerto in D minor
Cello Concerto in D minor is in D minor and sits at the professional level. Virtuoso Romantic concerto for professional, competition, and advanced recital/audition programs. The fastest way through it is to name the passage that keeps breaking, on the same five dimensions a panel listens for, and fix that one first.
The hard passages
- Bravura double-stops and rapid passagework
- Wide leaps and high-register intonation
- Rhythmic drive and character contrast across the Intermezzo's tempo shifts
- Strong projection and rich tone in the dramatic outer movements
- Stamina across an extended virtuoso solo part
What panels listen for
Clean bravura passagework and double-stops, dramatic character contrast, secure intonation in high positions, and rhythmic vitality.
Frequently asked
How hard is Cello Concerto in D minor?
Professional level. A standard virtuoso Romantic concerto on advanced and professional audition lists; technically demanding bravura writing (established cello concerto repertoire and Oxford 'Notes for Cellists' guide).
What tempo is Cello Concerto in D minor?
I. Prelude: Lento-Allegro maestoso; II. Intermezzo: Andantino con moto-Allegro presto; III. Andante-Allegro vivace
What are the hardest parts of Cello Concerto in D minor?
The passages that trip players up: Bravura double-stops and rapid passagework, Wide leaps and high-register intonation, Rhythmic drive and character contrast across the Intermezzo's tempo shifts, Strong projection and rich tone in the dramatic outer movements, Stamina across an extended virtuoso solo part.
How can I tell if I am ready to perform Cello Concerto in D minor?
Talk it through with the teacher, free, no signup. Play your take of Cello Concerto in D minor, get the one specific fix that is holding you back, then run it again. The teacher listens every day, not just at lesson time.
More cello pieces
Stuck on a passage in Cello Concerto?
Name the passage and what it does wrong. Real fix in 30 seconds. Free to try, no card.
Name the passage that breaks