Cello Concerto (Rorem)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Cello Concerto is a concerto for solo cello and orchestra by the American composer Ned Rorem. The work was commissioned by the Residentie Orchestra and the Kansas City Symphony for the cellist David Geringas. Its world premiere was given by Geringas and the Kansas City Symphony under the direction of Michael Stern on March 28, 2003.[1]
Background
In the score program notes, Rorem wrote, "When David Geringas came to visit in early 2000 I was pleased by his wish for a new piece. Since I already had a Violin Concerto, and a Double Concerto for Violin & Cello, a Cello Concerto would round off a perfect program." The composer began work on the concerto two years later, completing it during the summer of 2002.[1]
Structure
The concerto has a duration of approximately 22 minutes[2] and is cast in eight movements:
- Curtain Raise
- There and Back
- Three Queries, One Response
- Competitive Chaos
- A Single Tone, A Dozen Implications
- One Coin, Two Sides
- Valse Rappelée
- Adrift
Instrumentation
The work is scored for a solo cello and an orchestra consisting of two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, harp, piano, and strings.[1]
