Program 1: Cello and Piano

Wartime Moods: Pastoralism, Impressionism and Neo-Classical Constructs
Frank Bridge | Cello Sonata H.125 (1913-17) | 24 minutes 

Sergei Prokofiev | Cello Sonata op.119 (1949) | 25 minutes 

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The advent of war and similar socio-political strife often serves as a backdrop for notable works or music and art; and each of the two World Wars nonetheless so. Cello qualities alight when constructs framing each war are juxtaposed. This programme offers two cello sonatas, each scripted circa either war. Listen as Britt deftly coaxes the cello; first, embodying emotional depth, color, and atmospheric sounds, then slanting to an infusion of tonality, clarity, and order portrayed by two masters; each capturing the sense of their times.

Both technically demanding and emotionally expressive, Bridge’s “Cello Sonata H. 125” was one of his most memorable chamber pieces. Written in UK at the height of World war I (1914-18), the piece reflects Bridge’s modernist, if a slightly more moderate infusion of pastoralism influenced by impressionism. In contrast, Prokovief’s piece was composed in the aftermath of World War II (1935-49), and just over a decade since his return to Russia following a lukewarm reception in US and abroad. Written during a stay in USA, the sonata was composed towards the end of Prokovief’s life, some time after he was accused of formalism, a socialist realism doctrine that led to the banning and dismissal of his compositions. Prokovief’s “Cello Sonata Op. 119” is composed with a neo-Classical bent and was his singular contribution to the genre. 

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Program 2: Cello and Piano

Politics and Prowess: Masters Molding Minds

Claude Debussy | Cello Sonata, L.135 (1915) | 12 minutes

Dmitri Shostakovich | Cello Sonata, Op. 40 (1934) | 30 minutes

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Composers can choose to channel or challenge their surrounds, and in either case, master composers mold minds. This programme offers two cello sonatas crafted by master composers who eclipsed war themes with motives of their own. Listen as Britt exploits each craftsman’s deep knowledge of the cello, with technical austerity and sound that excites and soothes.

Debussy’s “Cello Sonata, L.135” was the first of his planned project to compose six sonatas for different instruments. Composed in Debussy’s late style, the piece followed the French tradition (a political statement!) and classical form of three movements, each written in D minor, making the piece homotonal. Technically demanding, the piece is embellished with modes and whole-tone and pentatonic scales, left-hand pizzicato, spiccato and flautando bowing, false harmonics and portamenti. 

Equally mesmerizing, Shostakovich’s Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40 reflects the period of emotional turmoil in his life, as well as the surrounding political and social turbulence of the era. Steeped in rhythm, thematic development, and dramatic intensity,

the cello sonata suggested its composer’s reactionary stance in its lyricism. Shostakovich’s rigorous control of form and emotional restraint emphasizes his intimate appreciation of the cello, and his craft for illuminating its depth and sense of fun.

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Program 3: Cello and String Orchestra

John Tavener | The Protecting Veil | 45 minutes

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John Tavener's The Protecting Veil  startles through its musical and spiritual simplicity, shedding light on Tavener's Orthodox faith and themes of sanctuary and sanctification. The piece reflects the Orthodox feast celebrating the apparition of Virgin Mary, a symbol of divine protection.

“The Protecting Veil” is composed in eight sections, each reflecting a symbol in Virgin Mary’s passage, centering the piece’s divine chronicle. Tavener merges elements of minimalist and Orthodox musical tradition; making use of simple melody and harmony to create a contemplative, introvertive atmosphere.

Imbuing the cello as Virgin Mary’s voice, the veil’s protection is near tangible as Tavener deftly employs techniques to create an emotional journey ranging from sorrow to elevation. Tavener’s minimalist approach combines with a deeply spiritual theme to create an enriched contemporary classical piece with powerful cellistic aspects.

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