Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 8
by Zoltán Kodály
Cello20th CenturySonata~30 minprofessional
One of the most important works for unaccompanied cello since Bach. Composed in 1915, it requires scordatura tuning (both lower strings tuned down a semitone to B and F-sharp) to create rich folk-like resonances. The three movements draw deeply on Hungarian folk music while pushing cello technique to its limits with chordal writing, rapid passage work, and extraordinary timbral variety.
Editions
Boosey & Hawkes
Original publication, 1921
Standard edition published under the composer's supervision. Clear and reliable.
★★★★★
0 reviews
Editio Musica Budapest
Revised edition, 1968
Hungarian edition with corrected errors from the first printing. Includes notes on the scordatura tuning.
★★★★★
0 reviews