Victor Herbert

Concerto for Cello No. 2 in E minor op. 30

The virtuosic masterpiece Concerto for Cello No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 30 was composed in 1894 by Victor Herbert (1859-1924) during his early years in the United States, shortly after his appointment as principal cellist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and amid his growing reputation as a composer. Written for his own use as a virtuoso performer, the concerto reflects the late-Romantic European tradition in which Herbert was trained. The work received its premiere in 1894, with Herbert himself as soloist, helping to establish him not only as a performer but as a serious composer in American concert life. Present at the premiere was Antonín Dvorák, who was so impressed by Herbert's virtuosic playing and composition that he was inspired to write his own famous B minor Cello Concerto. Although later overshadowed by Herbert's immense success in operetta and musical theater, Concerto for Cello No. 2 has since become his most popular work for cello. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set): Solo Cello in set. Reprint edition.