Concerto for Cello and Orchestra Op.132 (2017) c.26'00"

(2d1.2d1.2.2/2.2.1.0/timp/perc(3)/pno d cel/hp/solo vc/strings)

Commissioned by a consortium of orchestras including the Toledo Symphony, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (MA), the Annapolis Symphony, the Jackson Symphony, the Jacksonville Symphony and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (OH)

Dedicated to Alan Benaroya

First performed on October 27th 2017 at the Peristyle Theater, Toledo Ohio by cellist Julian Schwarz with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Alexander Prior

Published by Theodore Presser Company

ABOUT

My Cello Concerto Op.132 was commissioned by a consortium of orchestras including the Toledo Symphony, The Jacksonville Symphony, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (MA) and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (OH.) The concerto was written for cellist Julian Schwarz.  The short score of the concerto was completed in August of 2017 and the orchestration completed a month later. The work is dedicated to Alan Benaroya.

The concerto is scored for an orchestra comprised of two flutes (the second doubling piccolo), two oboes (the second doubling English Horn), two clarinets, 2 bassoons, two French Horns, two trumpets, one trombone, three percussionists playing a variety of instruments, piano doubling celesta, harp and strings.

The concerto is in the customary three movements. The work opens with an accompanied cadenza for the cello, which directly leads into the Andante piacevole ed appassionato with the cello singing a long-phrased lyric melody over a glistening accompaniment. A breathlessly virtuosic Allegro energico follows. A return of material from the opening cazenza leads us back to the Andante before ending the movement with one last Allegro flourish.

The second movement is a heart-felt, extended Lento.  The final movement, Allegro energico, alternates menacing and exuberant music in a rondo-like form that showcases the soloist’s virtuosity.

REVIEWS

“However, the highlight of the evening was yet to come…Stunning in lyricism and originality, this gorgeous and profound creation stands as a shining example of how contemporary compositions need not be thorny and inaccessible.”
The Florida Times-Union

“simply beautiful…The orchestrations are richly complex, replete with color, and underlay the solo role of the cello perfectly: balanced, tasteful and resilient.”
The Toledo Blade

“…heartbreakingly beautiful…lyrical melodies and lush textures…there is a lot to be said for a performance that makes someone fall in love with a new piece upon thier first listening…”
Classical Voice North Carolina