Comparative analysis of selected violoncello concertos written during the classical period (1725-1850) in terms of style and technique

The classical period of enlightenment thought, which lasted from the 18th century to the mid-19th century, witnessed significant social transformation processes such as the French Revolution. These transformation processes affected not only societes' worldviews but also left deep impact on the field of music. Simplicity, a clear and balanced musical understanding, and an approach based on expression became widespread in music language. Along with this approach, the concerto form, which provided a platform for the expressive potential of instruments, gained notable importance. The cello, as one of the prominent string insturments, was also influenced by this shift in artistic priorities. Until this period, the cello, which had been used as an accompanying instrument in ensembles and orchestras. However, cello has broke away from this limited role and gained a strong solo identity with composers writing concertos. The cello concertos composed during this period have earned an important place in the cello literature, and various prominent cello concertos have been analyzed in this thesis. Using a systematic approach, Joseph Haydn's c major concerto no.1 and d major cello concerto no.2, Johann Christian Bach's C Minor cello concerto, Luigi Boccherini's no.9 b-flat majör cello concerto, Jean-Baptiste Breval's no.2 d major cello concerto, and Ignace Pleyel's c major cello concerto have been analyzed in detail. During the analysis process, the Works were systematically examined, taking into account their formal structures, orchestrations, use of tonality, types of modulation, technical requirements, and stylistic characteristics of the period. Each work was evaluated based on the common characteristics of the period, as well as the indivitual approaches of the composers. The analyses were based on score studies, and the selection of Works also took into account their place in the cello repertoire and their importance in the field of education. On this basis, cello concertos composed during the classical period were analyzed in a comparative manner. In addition to the composers whose works were analyzed, the contributions of Friedrich Dotzauer and Jean-Louis Duport, who are known for their educational cello books, to the field of cello education were evaluated in a biographical context. As a result of the research and analysis, it was observed that each composer provided diversity in terms of style and technical understanding, while producing Works with similar forms in terms of form approach. At the same time, it was concluded that these Works made significant contributions to the formation of the cello's solo identity.