Romberg Cello concerto No. 2 Op. 3 for Cello and Orchestra

Looking for a first “serious” Romantic concerto that lets an advancing cellist sound like a real soloist – without jumping straight into Dvořák or Elgar? This Bernhard Romberg Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major, Op. 3 offers exactly that: a lyrical, classical–Romantic concerto that develops secure shifting, singing tone, and musical leadership over a full orchestra.

About the music

Originally written for cello and orchestra, this new performance edition presents Romberg’s Concerto No. 2 with a clear, practical layout for modern players. The solo part moves comfortably through 1st–7th position, with forays higher in key moments, giving players a real concerto experience without the extremes of the big Romantic concertos.

The orchestral writing is classical in clarity but Romantic in warmth, giving the soloist space to shine while offering a supportive, transparent texture that works well for youth, conservatoire, and community ensembles.

Why this edition?

Rather than simply reproducing an old part, this edition has been re‑engraved and edited for today’s teaching and performance needs:

For teachers, this concerto becomes a bridge between student‑level concertos and major Romantic works: difficult enough to stretch an upper‑grade or early diploma player, but still manageable within a normal school or conservatoire rehearsal schedule.

For orchestras, the full score and parts offer a rewarding yet achievable concerto project that showcases a strong principal cellist or guest soloist without overwhelming the ensemble.

Key features

• Instrumentation: Solo Cello and Orchestra (Flute, 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Horns in D & Strings)
• Difficulty (solo part): Advanced cello, around ABRSM Grade 8+ to early diploma level.
• Technique focus (soloist):
  • Secure shifting between 1st–7th position and beyond in a musical context.
  • Legato tone production over long Romantic phrases, with control of bow speed and contact point.
  • Arpeggio and broken‑chord figures that consolidate advanced scale work.
  • Double stops (3rds, 6ths, 8ves) for hand‑shape stability and vertical intonation.
  • Articulation contrast: classical detaché, light marcato, and early off‑the‑string strokes in finale‑type passages.
  • Dynamic control and colour: from noble, projected forte to sustained, expressive piano high on the A string.
• Musical focus:
  • Classical–early Romantic phrasing and cadence shaping.
  • Vibrato variety and tone colour between A‑string brightness and warmer lower strings.
  • Orchestral awareness – listening and responding to tuttis, echo motifs, and accompaniment figures.
• Ensemble level: Suitable for youth, conservatoire, and amateur orchestras with confident principal strings and standard winds.
• Format:
  • Instant PDF download – full score, solo cello part, and orchestral parts included.
  • Professionally engraved, with clear rehearsal marks, consistent bar numbers, and practical page turns.
• Usage:
  • No additional performance licence required for concerts, recordings, or streaming
  • Please credit the arranger/editor and publisher in programmes and descriptions.

See & Hear the Difference

Browse the score and parts preview images above, then watch the complete score video below. Together, they let you check engraving quality, and overall difficulty so you can be sure this concertino is the right fit for your soloist and ensemble before you buy.

Perfect for

• Youth and conservatoire orchestras:
  • An ideal first “big” cello concerto project, realistic in rehearsal time, but impressive in impact.

If you want a concerto that sounds like a true Romantic showpiece while still being pedagogically targeted and practically performable, this new edition of Romberg’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major, Op. 3 is designed to do that job beautifully.