Three versions - one edition
This new edition of Tchaikovsky's virtuoso "Pezzo capriccioso" op. 62 for violoncello leaves it up to the performer to decide which version he wishes to play.
What the violinists of Camille Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo capriccioso op. 28, is the cellist Peter Tchaikovsky's Pezzo capriccioso op. With sweeping cantilenas and sparkling spiccato passages, the work contains all the elements of an effective virtuoso piece.
Similar to the Variations on a Rococo theme op. 33 is the editorial history of the Pezzo problematic: the cellist and dedicatee Anatoly A. Brandukov added some suggested changes to the solo part with the composer at the premiere in 1888, which were later incorporated into the first edition. However, the old Tchaikovsky Complete Edition took into account the composer's original version, who had also made additional changes to the cello part of the piano reduction in some places.
Now, in the new edition by Wolfgang Birtel, all three versions are included in the Ponticello edition. This is attractive because all versions are musically acceptable and performers can therefore decide for themselves which version they would prefer.
In addition to the solo and piano parts, an arrangement for violoncello and string orchestra is also available from the same publisher.
Peter I. Tchaikovsky: Pezzo capriccioso op. 62, for violoncello solo and orchestra, piano reduction, edited by Wolfgang Birtel, PON 1019, € 12.95, Ponticello-Edition, Mainz 2017
