Davydov K. Concerto No 2 A minor for violoncello and orchestra

Karl Yulyevich Davydov (1838–1889) is the distinguished Russian cellist, conductor, composer, musical figure. His activity was tightly connected with the St. Petersburg Conservatoire, where many generations of performers were bred by him during the period of 1862–1887 having been its director from 1876 to 1887.

Among Davydov’s compositions there are the symphonic poem “Terek’s Gifts”, 4 concertos for cello and orchestra, chamber-instrumental and chamber-vocal opuses, so as the Cello School. 

Concerto № 2 for Cello op. 14 A minor and Orchestra takes special place in Davydov’s heritage. It refers to 1863, embodying the best features of Davydov-composer and brilliant cellist virtuoso. 

As the previous Davydov’s cello Concerto № 1 B minor continued the tradition of B. H. Romberg (1767–1841), famous German cellist and composer, the Con-certo № 2 op.14 manifests Mendelssohn’s and Schumann’s ideas. The themes are getting nourished with clearly recognized individual Davydov’s nature. Virtuosity ceases its abstract technical existence, being plaited to the conception itself. Orchestra’s function becomes significant in the whole dramaturgic development.  

The composition is called a concerto, when it is given the true masterly cadenza, like the one evolving according to the dramaturgic outline and pouring out in the first movement of the op. 14.

Gentle lyricism, striking virtuosity and excellently wrought score make for this Concerto’s attractiveness and success at the concert stage.