Joachim Raff’s celebrated first cello concerto is only gradually being rediscovered today. This is astounding, taking into account both the quality of the composition as well as its enthusiastic reception in the past. All renowned cellists of the time performed the work, but the history of op. 193 is still more closely linked to Friedrich Grützmacher, its commissioner, co-editor, and soloist in its world premiere, than to any other musician. Grützmachers wish for a concerto to “free us poor cellists from our situation that is becoming truly unbearable and driving us to the utmost discontent” was certainly fulfilled by Raff.
The extensive preface of this first Urtext-Edition documents the close collaboration between composer and interpreter, as well as performance practice of the time. The corresponding piano reduction includes not only an Urtext-solo part, but also a part with the markings by the Zurich cellist Jonas Kreienbühl.