Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1933

Average_duration

:

36:03

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Herbert Howells' Cello Concerto is a significant work in the repertoire of the cello. It was composed in 1933-34 and premiered on 14 November 1934 at the Queen's Hall in London, with the cellist Florence Hooton and the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Adrian Boult. The concerto is in three movements, with a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, opens with a lyrical cello melody that is soon taken up by the orchestra. The movement is characterized by a sense of urgency and restlessness, with the cello and orchestra engaging in a lively dialogue. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and introspective meditation, with the cello singing a mournful melody over a gentle accompaniment. The final movement, marked Allegro molto, is a lively and energetic dance, with the cello and orchestra engaging in a playful and virtuosic dialogue. The concerto is characterized by Howells' distinctive harmonic language, which is characterized by rich and complex chords and a sense of chromaticism. The cello writing is virtuosic and demanding, with the soloist required to navigate a wide range of technical challenges. The orchestration is colorful and imaginative, with Howells making use of a wide range of instrumental colors and textures. Overall, Howells' Cello Concerto is a significant work in the repertoire of the cello, showcasing the composer's distinctive harmonic language and the virtuosic capabilities of the instrument.

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