Concerto for Cello No. 87 in A, GT 1.A28 (Ravanello): String Orchestra, Solo Strings with Ensemble, Conductor Score & Parts

This concerto showcases Tartini's gift for crafting lyrical, idiomatic writing even in unfamiliar instrumental territory. The cello part inhabits a conversational middle register that sits naturally with orchestra rather than dominating it, creating an intimate, almost chamber-like quality within an ensemble setting. It's a sophisticated alternative to the standard Baroque cello concerto repertoire and a genuine historical artifact from one of the era's most important composers.

The work projects an understated elegance. Rather than the exuberant brilliance typical of Tartini's violin concerti, this piece unfolds with a certain reserve, with the cello speaking in a measured, occasionally tentative voice against the steady forward motion of the orchestra. The overall energy is undeniable, but it arrives not through flash but through careful dialogue and architectural balance.

This concerto suits advanced high school orchestras and college ensembles seeking sophisticated Baroque repertoire that challenges musicians beyond standard concerti grossi. It works particularly well when you have a strong solo cellist and an ensemble capable of handling transparent string writing with rhythmic precision.

• Balance the solo cello to sit just above the ensemble; Tartini's middle-range writing asks for careful voicing rather than projection, particularly in the opening sections where the cello enters somewhat quietly.
• Shape the cadenza with structural clarity so it functions as a genuine moment of virtuosity without losing the work's inherent restraint; Luigi Silva's revisions honor Tartini's lyrical approach while offering cellist space for expression.
• Maintain transparency in the string ensemble, especially the violas and cellos, so the solo line emerges organically from rather than against the accompaniment.
• Listen for the energetic outer movements to contrast with more introspective passages; this work rewards attention to dynamic nuance across all sections.

Program this as a centerpiece in a Baroque orchestral concert, pairing it with more familiar Tartini violin works to illustrate his range as a composer. Its meditative character also pairs well with later string concertos by composers like Boccherini or Vivaldi, creating a sophisticated program that demonstrates the breadth of Baroque string writing.

• Balancing a solo line within string orchestra texture
• Interpreting Baroque ornamentation and phrasing conventions
• Maintaining ensemble precision through moderate to quick tempi
• Reading and executing period-appropriate articulation in string parts
• Understanding the expressive potential of the cello's middle register