Cello Concerto for cello and orchestra

Year
2000
Duration
18'
Category
Solo and Orchestra

Instrumentation: 3(III=picc).2.corA.2(II=bcl).bcl(=dbcl).2.dbn-4.3.3.1-timp.perc(3):I=xyl/glsp/marimba/4tpl.bl/2cowbells/4wdbl/2log dr; II=vib/2SD/BD/3tom-t/4bongos; III=guiro/2SD/3susp.cym-harp-strings
Dedication: Fred Sherry
Buy Score: Hendon Music (Boosey & Hawkes)
Manuscripts: Paul Sacher Stiftung

Premiere: Sep 27, 2001/ Yo-Yo Ma, cello / Chicago Symphony Orchestra / Daniel Barenboim/ Symphony Hall, Chicago, IL

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Cello Concerto clip

My Cello Concerto is introduced by the soloist alone, playing a frequently interrupted cantilena that presents ideas later to be expanded into movements. These movements are connected by episodes that often refer to the final Allegro fantastico. In this score I have tried to find meaningful, personal ways of revealing the cello’s vast array of wonderful possibilities.

Commissioned by the Chicago Symphony for the amazing Yo-Yo Ma, who has given outstanding performances of my 1948 Cello Sonata, the score was composed in New York City and Southbury, Connecticut during 2000.

– Elliott Carter

Video (1)

Recordings (2)

Alisa Weilerstein: Elgar & Carter Cello Concertos
Decca (2012)
Alisa Weilerstein, cello | Staatskapelle Berlin, Daniel Barenboim, conductor
The Music of Elliott Carter, Volume Seven
Bridge Records 9177 (2005)
Nicolas Hodges, piano | London Sinfonietta, Oliver Knussen, conductor | BBC Symphony Orchestra | Fred Sherry, cello | Asko Ensemble