The Twelve Original Pieces for Two Cellos, dedicated to beginners, Op. 63, by Justus Johann Friedrich Dotzauer (1783—1860) is a most colourful collection, containing a spicy mix of arias from famous operas, original themes, and fugues. The arias are mostly from W. A. Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito, and G. Rossini’s Tancredi, with a theme and variation from The Magic Flute crowning them all. Even without employing the thumb, these pieces are challenging, and should not be underestimated. They explore all seven positions, making this the most well-rounded collection of the five (Opp. 52, 58, 156, 159), and a must-have for all cello students.

This edition comes in two versions, Original & Collectors’ Edition. The Original version is based on the first edition published by Dotzauer with Breitkopf & Härtel in 1823. The Collector’s Edition adds the new editions of these pieces appeared in the 57 Little Duets compiled by Johannes Klingenberg (1852—1905), and in the early20th century edition by Alwin Schröder (1855—1928), alongside the editor’s own suggestions.