Cello Concerto (Bates)

The Cello Concerto is a concerto for cello and orchestra by the American composer Mason Bates. The work was jointly commissioned by the Seattle Symphony, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and was premiered December 11, 2014 by cellist Joshua Roman and the Seattle Symphony under conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla.[1][2]

Composition

Structure

The Cello Concerto has a duration of roughly 25 minutes and is composed in three movements:[2]

  1. Con moto-Grazioso-Con moto
  2. Serene
  3. Léger

Instrumentation

The work is scored for solo cello and orchestra, comprising two flutes (2nd doubling piccolo and alto flute), two oboes, two clarinets (2nd doubling bass clarinet), two bassoons (2nd doubling contrabassoon), four French horns, three trumpets, two tenor trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, three percussionists, harp, and strings.[1]

Reception

In music writer Thomas May's preview, Bates observed that the works is "about the personality [Joshua Roman] brings to the cello as an instrument."[3] Reviewing the world premiere, Melinda Bargreen of The Seattle Times praised the work for its "audience-friendly tonal language" and Techno-inspired orchestration. Bargreen wrote, "Attractive and tonal, featuring a first-rate soloist, this was a premiere that an audience could really appreciate, and the standing ovation was so enthusiastic that Roman finally returned for a solo encore".[4] Music critic Philippa Kiraly also lauded the piece, saying its "classical lyricism and melody combine fluidly with blues, jazz elements, and techno rhythms that come straight from the 21st-century electronic club scene."[2] Lynn Green of The Columbus Dispatch commended Bates for "capitaliz[ing] on the natural, organic aspects of musicianship in his cello concerto." Green added, "This challenging work is not so much about melody as expressions of color, texture and energy."[5]

References

  1. 1 2 Bates, Mason (2014). Cello Concerto: Program Note. Retrieved July 8, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 Kiraly, Philippa (December 15, 2014). "Seattle Symphony Premieres Bates Cello Concerto". Classical Voice North America. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  3. ↑ May, Thomas (December 11, 2014). "World Premiere in Seattle: Mason Bates’s Cello Concerto". Memeteria. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  4. ↑ Bargreen, Melinda (December 12, 2014). "Joshua Roman introduces a world-class world premiere". The Seattle Times. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
  5. ↑ Green, Lynn (February 1, 2015). "Review: Columbus Symphony director designee’s debut avoids leaning on standards". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved July 6, 2015.
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