Don - a Cello Concerto (2006) - Gabriella Swallow (cello) by Paul Max Edlin published on 2016-05-11T11:11:08Z Cello Concerto 2006 (appx. 24’) solo cello 1(+ alt.fl).1.1.1 - 1.1.1.0, - hp, perc, - 5vv, 2vla, 1vc, 1db Programme note: Don continues a theme of symbolism that permeates and guides so many of my compositions. In this instance it explores certain moral issues in a somewhat enigmatic way, while exploiting the distinct nature of the concerto medium. Indeed it is the master/servant relationship, in which the soloist both guides and follows those around it, that stimulates much of the musical argument. The use of a semi-solo bassoon part acts as a ‘doppelganger’ as well as allowing for that ‘master/servant’ relationship to be explored (hence the title Don as in Don Giovanni and Don Quixote, etc.) The ‘solo role’ in any concerto has dramatic connotations, but it must reach beyond ‘pure theatre’ even if it embraces it. This cello part is hugely virtuosic, as are many of the passages the other instrumentalists have to play. The harmonic impetus stems from the opening chord to the central movement of Bartok’s fourth string quartet – a chord built up of two whole-tone triads which together form a diatonic hexachord. This particular chord, composer and quartet are important to me. There is an inherent symmetry of Bartok’s chord – and the way in which it is expanded as the movement progresses. My work expands it, and symmetrically too, but delves into the world of microtones and harmonies that allude to other cultures. Issues of ‘convergence’ and ‘divergence’ form the basis of the concerto, with the principals of two differing groups (cello and bassoon) responding to the harmonic realms established by each other. While the cello continually sets the pace, its own musical material evolves and adapts as a result of varying ‘influences’ from others. Political issues can be alluded to, of course. Not least in the suggestion that interaction of seeming opposites can share common ground through debate. Bartok’s own music is particularly apposite to use in this way. The renowned musicologist Theodore Adorno pointed out that Bartok’s music ‘spans the gulf between, on the one hand, the ahistorical, epic ‘natural community of the pre-industrial world where the ‘individual’ is represented by the hero… and, on the other hand, the highly industrialised societies of the modern world, within which the individual … exists in a state of alienation’. © Paul Max Edlin 2007 The solo cellist on this recording is Gabriella Swallow Genre Orchestral Comment by Robert John Brooks, Composer Superb work, Paul. 2023-10-03T20:32:36Z Comment by Paul-Maurice Roche, Composer 10:03 to 10:05 is unutterably beautiful 2023-10-02T08:03:31Z Comment by Paul-Maurice Roche, Composer Delicious resonance at 8:48 2023-10-02T07:59:23Z Comment by Paul-Maurice Roche, Composer Pure beauty 2023-10-02T07:58:15Z Comment by Paul-Maurice Roche, Composer Minor sevenths. Wow 2023-10-02T07:52:30Z Comment by Joseph Haspel Such a pleasure to listen again to this beautiful, masterful composition so splendidly performed - many thanks Paul Max, Gabriella and orchestra! 2022-06-12T17:35:45Z Comment by Christopher Larkins | Composer Great listening again to this very engaging work. 2019-12-31T17:16:59Z Comment by Paul Max Edlin @r3np thank you so much. 2019-10-03T12:04:46Z Comment by Piotr Krysinski Outstandig performence. Congratulation. Thank you 2019-06-24T14:26:10Z Comment by Julian Abbott Gripping stuff, Paul. That's the best work I've heard from you yet. Of course, I've yet to listen to much of your music, but I'm really impressed with this cello concerto here. Thanks for this music. 2018-09-11T21:23:50Z Comment by Joseph Haspel A fascinating and masterful composition, and a marvelous performance! - Thanks! 2017-11-30T02:20:06Z Comment by Christopher Larkins | Composer The calmer, but mysterious ending is very captivating. It is a little unerving too, as it has a striking raw intensity. The cello yells softly the power of this striking music. 2017-11-03T23:22:48Z Comment by Christopher Larkins | Composer This is an amazing piece of music. It has great energy, suspense and urgency. Through the sometime seemingly chaotic music you create excitment. The all round perfomace is marvelous and enthraling. 2017-11-03T23:18:25Z Comment by Franck Douvin | Composer Superb, great work and performance! 2017-10-30T11:39:48Z