Rieding Cello Concerto in B Minor Op. 35 for Cello and String Orchestra

Looking for a *proper* first Romantic concerto that really stretches an advancing young cellist? This Rieding Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 35 takes the much‑loved violin concerto and reimagines it for cello – keeping the drama and lyricism, but adding more demanding position work up the A string. About the music Originally written as a concerto for violin, this version is Rieding’s own arrangement for solo cello, remaining in the key of B minor. The melodic writing sings beautifully on the cello, while adapted passagework and octave‑displaced lines make full use of the instrument’s rich middle and upper register. Young players will meet extended shifts, cantabile playing in higher positions, and confident projection over the ensemble, making this an ideal stepping stone towards the mainstream Romantic concerto repertoire. Why this arrangement? Rather than a simple transcription, this edition follows Rieding’s own adaptation for cello, reshaping figurations and taking lines down the octave where needed so they sit naturally under the hand. It is noticeably more demanding than the better‑known violin version, giving ambitious learners and their teachers a concerto that really builds shifting security up the A string, left‑hand agility, and sustained singing tone. The orchestral parts provide a clear, supportive framework, allowing the soloist to lead with confidence in lessons, concerts, and exams.