Instrumentation

solo vlc - fl.cl.bsn - pno - 2 vln.vla.db

Availability

Score 0-571-51924-5 on sale, parts for hire

Programme Notes

Huw Watkins’ Sonata for Cello and Eight Instruments was composed for his brother, Paul, to perform with the Nash Ensemble. Its first movement is a vigorous Allegro in sonata form. The cello plays almost continuously throughout the movement, resting only in the more lyrical, central section. In the second movement the cello assumes a lyrical character against the austere background provided by the woodwind. The last movement is another Allegro which dissolves in a recapitulatory coda after reaching its climax. Sonata for Cello and Eight Instruments is a Faber Music Millennium Series commission. Huw Watkins was nominated by Thomas Adès.

Sonata for Cello and Eight Instruments

Martin Harris Centre, University of Manchester (Manchester, United Kingdom)

Robert Guy /Rebekah Clarke

Sonata for Cello and Eight Instruments

Seligman Performing Arts Center (Franklin, MI, USA)

Adrian Brendel/Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings/Paul Watkins

Sonata for Cello and Eight Instruments

Jacqueline Du Pré Music Building, St Hilda's College (Oxford, United Kingdom)

Gabriella Swallow/Members of the Oxford Sinfonietta/Peter Bassano

Sonata for Cello and Eight Instruments

Worcester Cathedral (Worcester, United Kingdom)

Members of the English SO/William Boughton

Sonata for Cello and Eight Instruments

St James's Church, Piccadilly (London, United Kingdom)

New Art Ensemble