for Violoncellos-Playing score.Only few opera goers know that Jacques Offenbach (1819 1880) the famous composer of works like ?The Tales of Hoffmann? or ?Orpheus in the Underworld? began earning his living as a cellist in theatre Orchestras and as a Cello virtuoso. Cellists however are aware of this biographical detail and admire the works that Offenbach devoted to their instrument. His ?Cours méthodique de duos pour deux violoncelles? Opp. 49-54 (published in 1847) is a Cello method in the form of a collection of duets - instructive pieces conceived for the Cello that are a delight to play.The duets of medium difficulty presented here provide valuableimpulses for teaching while at the same time being charming examples of 19th century Cello repertoire.

The Double Concerto was commissioned by the BBC for the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform at the International Cello Festival in Manchester on 30 April 1992 with soloists Ralph Kirshbaum and Gregor Horsch and conductor Raymond Leppard.