Circles for Cello & Orchestra (2012)
Below you will find the score, solo part, midi recording, and premiere recording.
Information:
I wrote Circles to scaffold between the standard showpiece repertoire and the Saint-Saens Concerto in my cello method; it is the first concerto that my students play and is followed immediately by Saint-Saens. It is appropriate for an advanced high school cellist to perform with their high school orchestra.
I had 3 goals:
1) Introduce the orchestra to extended techniques (e.g. ricochet, harmonics, snap pizz, and percussive effects).
2) Highlight the soloist’s virtuosity.
3) Make sure that everyone (yes, even the violas!) had something fun to do while still accounting for the varying levels of proficiency that we expect within a high school orchestra setting.
I believe that it doesn’t venture past 4th position for any instrument.
Copying / Usage
I’ll send one copy of the score (bound) and all parts, including the solo. You are expected and encouraged to copy it for your own use for that school. If you perform it elsewhere, please purchase a second copy.
Collaboration
I would love to work with your orchestra on this piece and it’s super easy over Zoom.
Mvt 1: Circles: 0:00
Mvt 2: Passacaglia: 3:14
Mvt 3: Lament: 5:49
Mvt 4: Coda: 9:12
Mvt 1: Circles: 0:00
Mvt 2: Passacaglia: 3:19
Mvt 3: Lament: 5:40
Mvt 4: Coda: 9:35