Nolck Gnomenreigen Op. 90 for Cello and String Orchestra

Gnomenreigen (Dance of the Gnomes), Op. 90 – August Nölck, arranged for Solo Cello and String Orchestra

A sparkling Romantic showpiece that sounds far harder than it is. Nölck's Gnomenreigen gives your advanced cellist a genuine concerto moment: dazzling semiquaver passagework, a light and catchy theme, and bags of character, all packed into three to four minutes.

Written in 1903 by August Nölck, a virtuoso cellist of the Dresden school and one of the great pedagogical composers for the instrument, this charming character piece has been unjustly forgotten. This new arrangement for solo cello and string orchestra lifts it from the salon to the concert platform, giving it the setting it has always deserved.

The solo part sits at Grade 7 to 8 depending on tempo and the strength of the player. The semiquaver writing is built largely on repeated notes and scale patterns, so while the music flies past, the left hand stays remarkably settled. It is the bow that does the work, which makes this an ideal piece for a student who wants to sound virtuosic without the risks of a full Romantic concerto. The ternary structure means much of the music returns, keeping learning time short and rehearsal efficient.

Key Features

• Solo cello and string orchestra, duration 3–4 minutes
• Solo part Grade 7–8 (ABRSM), flexible with tempo
• Repeated-note semiquaver passagework: brilliant effect, manageable left hand
• Ternary form for quick learning and efficient rehearsal
• Professionally engraved score and parts, instant PDF download
• No performance licence required, permission to record included

Perfect For Senior school and youth orchestra concerto spots, festival and competition classes, and any advanced student looking for a recital showpiece beyond the standard repertoire. With virtually no existing recordings, your soloist gets to make this piece their own.