Goltermann Cello Concerto No 3 Op. 51 for Cello & String Orchestra

Goltermann: Cello Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op. 51 (Arr. Cello and String Orchestra)

Goltermann's Third Cello Concerto is a three-movement Romantic concerto in B minor: passionate, lyrically demanding, and substantial enough to carry the weight of a full concert performance. This arrangement replaces the original full orchestral accompaniment with a string ensemble, redistributing the wind and brass parts into the string texture so that the harmonic and dramatic support of the original remains fully intact. The solo line is unchanged throughout.

At twenty minutes, this is a major programme item. The concerto moves through contrasting moods across its three movements, from the dramatic opening to more lyrical and expressive writing in the slow movement, and asks the soloist for real musical maturity as well as technical command. The string orchestra accompaniment has been balanced to support the solo cello without competing with it, keeping the focus where it belongs throughout.

For a soloist and ensemble that want to programme a full Romantic cello concerto without the forces of a symphony orchestra, it's a practical and musically complete solution. The B minor key, the Romantic idiom, and the three-movement structure give it the weight and character of a headline concert work.

Check the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. They'll give you a clear picture of the engraving quality and overall difficulty before you buy.

Key features

• Instrumentation: Solo Cello + String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
• Original instrumentation: Cello and Full Orchestra
• Difficulty: Diploma / Professional
• Duration: approximately 20 minutes (three movements)
• Orchestration: wind and brass parts redistributed into the string ensemble; solo line faithful to Goltermann's original
• Format: PDF download, full score and all parts

This suits professional and conservatoire soloists looking for a full Romantic cello concerto that can be performed with chamber or string orchestra forces, and ensembles wanting a substantial solo vehicle within their instrumentation. It also works well in programmes built around Romantic chamber or string orchestra repertoire where a major concerto is needed.