Description

Zoltán Kodály: Sonate für Violoncello solo op. 8 | Chamber Music Score

Product Information

UPC: 803452012474
ISBN: 978-3702415143
ISMN: 979-0008009853
Product Type: Classical Sheet Music
Genre: Chamber Music, Solo Instrument
Language: German, International Notation
Format: Printed Music Score
Publication Year: 1921 (copyright renewed 1948)
Publisher: Universal Edition
Catalog Number: UE 6650
Pages: 24
Dimensions: 232 × 305 mm (9.1 × 12 inches)

Overview

Zoltán Kodály's "Sonate für Violoncello solo op. 8" is one of the most significant works for unaccompanied cello composed since Bach's Cello Suites. Written in 1915 and first published in 1921 by Universal Edition, this groundbreaking composition represents a masterpiece of 20th-century cello literature. The sonata beautifully blends influences of Hungarian folk music with modern compositional techniques, creating a work of extraordinary technical demands and expressive depth. Structured in three movements, the piece showcases Kodály's unique musical language while exploring the full sonic capabilities of the cello through innovative techniques including scordatura tuning, extensive double-stops, and rich harmonics.

Product Features

Complete urtext edition of Kodály's solo cello sonata
Original 1921 Universal Edition publication (copyright renewed)
Clear, professional engraving on high-quality paper
Three complete movements:Detailed performance notes and fingering suggestions
- Allegro maestoso ma appassionato
- Adagio con gran espressione
- Allegro molto vivace
Professional binding designed to remain flat on music stand
Dual copyright information for different territories
Premium print quality suitable for performance and study

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

Completed in 1915, Kodály's Sonata for Solo Cello had to wait until May 7, 1918, for its premiere due to World War I. It was first performed by its dedicatee, Jenő Kerpely (Eugène de Kerpely), a renowned Hungarian cellist who also premiered several of Bartók's works as part of the Waldbauer-Kerpely Quartet. The sonata represents a revolutionary approach to cello writing that expanded the technical and expressive possibilities of the instrument .

Technical Innovation

The sonata employs scordatura tuning, requiring the cellist to tune the C and G strings down to B and F♯ respectively. This unconventional tuning creates a unique resonance that enhances the Hungarian folk character of the piece while enabling otherwise impossible chord structures. The work's demanding nature includes extensive use of double, triple, and even quadruple stops, harmonics, and passages across the entire range of the instrument .

Cultural Impact

Kodály himself predicted that "in 25 years no cellist will be accepted who has not played it"—a prediction that proved remarkably accurate. By 1956, less than 40 years after its premiere, the sonata had become a set piece for the prestigious Casals Competition in Mexico City. Today, it remains a standard work in advanced cello repertoire and a frequent requirement in international competitions .

Reception and Recordings

The legendary cellist János Starker, who first played the sonata for Kodály himself at the age of 15 in 1939, recorded it four times throughout his career. His 1948 recording won a Grand Prix du Disque. When Starker performed it again for Kodály in 1967 shortly before the composer's death, Kodály remarked: "If you correct the ritard in the third movement, it will be the Bible performance" .

Publishers

Published by Universal Edition (UE 6650). Copyright 1921 by Universal Edition A.G., Wien. Copyright renewed 1948. Copyright assigned 1952 to Universal Edition (London) Ltd., London. Property of Universal Edition (London) Ltd. for all countries of the British Commonwealth, Eire, and all other countries of the Western Hemisphere. Eigentum der Universal Edition A.G., Wien für alle anderen Länder.

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