Importance and pedagogical value of Three Sonatas for Two Cellos, Op. 43 by Bernhard Romberg

Abstract

The Three Sonatas for Two Cellos, Op. 43 by Bernhard Heinrich Romberg were composed as a progressive performance work. The most widely used copy of the work is a C. F. Peters, Leipzig Edition edited by Friedrich Wilhelm Grützmacher. In this edition, the Sonatas are exhaustively marked with fingerings, alternate fingering, dynamics, dynamic changes, glissandi, bowings, bowstrokes and bow placement, accents, tempo changes, moods, and articulations. The combination of Romberg's melodic and pedagogically thought-through compositions and Grützmacher's expert editorial work results in invaluable pedagogical and performance work. Each subsequent sonata presents bigger challenge for a player while each preceding one also serves as a training tool for successful mastering of the following one. The Opus 43 is a set of individually viable sonatas that can stand independently and still serve as useful learning material. Grützmacher's respect for Romberg's style and his clear vision of pedagogical benefits are reflected in logical sequence of fingering and bowing challenges presented in each Sonata. Precise and complete performance markings serve as an essential guiding tool navigating a player towards a successful performance. If learned and performed as a set, the Three Sonatas for Two Cellos, Op. 43 by Bernard Heinrich Romberg are an excellent progressive performance work of the advanced level. The purpose of this analysis is to revive and highlight the importance of Romberg's compositions and Grützmacher's editorial effort and the pedagogical value of a direct teacher-student interaction the Three Sonatas for Two Cellos, Opus 43 represent

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