Performer’s Guide for Luigi Boccherini’s Cello Concerto No. 9 in B-flat Major from a Pedagogical Point of View

Cello Concerto No. 9 in B-flat Major by Luigi Boccherini, edited by German cellist and composer Friedrich Grützmacher, is the bridge to lead amateur cellists to become professional, and it is essential for cellists in building a solid foundation before exploring other standard concertos. Similar to the major concertos, including the Elgar Concerto in E Minor, the Schumann Cello Concerto in A minor, or the Dvorak Cello Concerto in B minor, Boccherini’s Cello Concerto No. 9 contains virtuosic techniques, such as various bow strokes, vibrato, thumb position, shifting, rapid string crossings and double stops. However, compared to the major concertos, Boccherini’s concerto has an easier musical structure and a shorter music length, so it serves as a preparation before continuing on to the more standard concertos. This paper will provide a pedagogical approach to the Boccherini’s ninth concerto, along with analyzing other composers’ pedagogical approaches with supporting materials, such as etudes and cello exercises written by string pedagogue and violinist Shinichi Suzuki, and Bohemian cellist and composer David Popper.