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The purpose of this work is to bring to light unknown or forgotten Argentine cello compositions and to compile a catalog of this body of works. This dissertation comprises a nearly comprehensive catalog of Argentine cello literature including printed, as well as non-printed, works. Two hundred and twenty pieces have been annotated, most of which are unpublished compositions and scarcely known even within the Argentine music world. The catalog provides the following information about each work: basic data about the composers and publishers when available, the frequency with which sixteen different cello technic difficulties appear, a brief description, and a discussion of aspects of composition and performance which are important to the study of the piece. Unpublished works included in the catalog are housed in the Music Library of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2136 Music Building, 1114 W. Nevada, Urbana, IL 61801; phone (217) 333-1173.
The work also considers the historical and sociocultural background of Argentina and how significant political changes have affected the production and performance of art music for cello. The broad category of "cello music" will include any music in which the cello has a protagonistic role: music for cello solo, cello groups, and cello accompanied by other instruments in small or large ensembles and/or tape.
The 123 works which I have in my possession are discussed in detail in the catalog. In addition, 94 others that I know of, but could not review personally, will be included in an Appendix and will be discussed to the extent of my knowledge. The majority of the field research in Argentina was conducted during the summers of 1988, 1989, and 1990. Further research needs to be done in order to find this material and information about it.