Music for cello and orchestra (2015)
Commissioned by the Badische Staaskapelle Karlsruhe
Orchestra cast:
2(2nd also picc.) 2(2nd=Eh) 2(2nd=Bkl) 2(2nd also Kfg) - 4 2 2 0 – timp, perc(1), hrf, str
I. On A Long Strand
II. Interlude
III. reeling and tumbling
Duration: approx. 30 min.
Premiere November 22nd, 2015, Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, big house
Julian Steckel, cello
Badische Staatskapelle Karlsruhe, conductor: Robert Trevino
Work comment:
My cello concerto "On A Long Strand" is inspired by the poem "North" by the Irish poet Seamus Heaney, whose drama and expressiveness impressed me greatly. As a preliminary study, I first set the poem to music for voice and piano, then I developed the first movement of the cello concerto from it. The atmosphere of this movement is shaped by the northern European seascapes that Heaney describes in the poem, with dramatic surging waves and rugged contrasts. The cello part is treated almost like a singing voice, alternating between lyrical, dramatic and recitative intonations.
The second movement is more chamber music-like, with individual orchestral instruments entering into an intimate dialogue with the solo cello, particularly the flute and horn.
Finally, the third movement forms a virtuosic and dance-like finale. Continuing the theme of the first movement, the movement is influenced by Irish fiddle music. The soloist enters into a dance-like and at times daring competition with different orchestral groups. After a solo cadenza - a "duel" with the snare drum - the piece finally finds a virtuosic and effective conclusion.Anno Schreier