THE CELLO WORKS OF ERNST VON DOHNÁNYI

This paper aims to draw attention to the oft neglected cello compositions of Ernst von Dohnányi. A prolific performer, composer, and pedagogue, Dohnányi has fallen into obscurity amongst the general population since his passing in 1960. Among the works discussed in this document are two unpublished sonatas from Dohnányi’s childhood, his Cello Sonata in B-flat, op.8 and his Konzertstück for Cello and Orchestra op.12. Each piece is given a historic background placing it among events of the composer’s life that led to its genesis and premier. This is followed by a formal and harmonic analysis and concludes with special considerations for the cellist in performing or teaching each work. Also included are complete editions of two previously unpublished works: Sonata for Cello and Piano in G-major composed in 1888 and a Grand Sonata for Cello and Piano in C-major composed in 1889. The manuscripts for both works are contained within the British Library’s Dohnányi Collections, from which I have compiled and edited the following performance editions. It is my hope that these two sonatas will enter the repertoire of student cellists supplementing the relatively small catalogue of music for the intermediate cellist