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World Premiere of Julian Anderson’s Litanies, for Cello and Orchestra

Feb. 01, 2020

World Premiere of Julian Anderson’s <em>Litanies</em>, for Cello and Orchestra

On February 12, the Orchestre National de Radio France, led by Pascal Rophé and featuring cellist Alban Gerhardt, perform the world premiere of Julian Anderson’s cello concerto, Litanies, as part of the Festival Presénces.

Julian Anderson’s first cello concerto can be seen as an exploration in the possibilities of the cello, beginning with a Toccata and working through a full range of textures and techniques available to the instrument. The musical material is highly varied and includes unusual tunings as well as diatonic modes which are sharply contrasted.

Following the traditional three movement form, albeit without break, the concerto features a central slow section with lyrical passages exploiting the cello’s singing qualities. A chorale at the end of this section is written in memory of Anderson’s dear friend, the composer/conductor Oliver Knussen. The faster opening and closing sections contrast this central movement, ending with a lively finale which takes its inspiration from dance.

Litanies was commissioned by Radio France, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, the Swedish Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne. It will be performed on March 21 by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, led by Christoph Poppen at Hong Kong City Hall, again featuring Alban Gerhardt as the soloist.

Listen to Julian Anderson’s Book of Hours, Part I (2004) here:
(Book of Hours, Part I/Julian Anderson/Birmingham Contemporary Music Group/Oliver Knussen, conductor) 

For more information about Julian Anderson, visit: schott-music.com.

Julian Anderson
Litanies (2018-2019)
for cello and orchestra
2(2.pic & afl).2(2.ca).2.(2.bcl & cl tuned down 1/4 tone).2(2.cbn)-2.2.1.0-perc-hp.pno(synth, pno & hp sounds with 1/4 tone pitch control)-str(10.8.6.6.4 max; 7.5.4.4.2 min)
25’

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