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- Rolf Wallin
Ground for Cello and 15 solo strings (1996)
- Chester Music Ltd (World)
Commissioned by the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra
String parts may be doubled or tripled in performance
- str(9.0.3.2.1)
- Cello
- 20 min
Programme Note
Divisions on a Ground was a favoured cyclic form in the Baroque era. A short bassline with appropriate chords is obstinately repeated as a basis for constant melodic development. The form can be perceived as a picture of the never-ending cycle of life, whether it be the unpretentious 'La folia' or the deeply tragic 'When I Am Laid in Earth'. In 'Ground', a sequence of seven chords creates such a basis, although this is not as clearly perceptible as in the baroque examples of the form.
The role of the baroque division was often to highlight the astounding virtuosity of the soloist. This piece contains indeed a high grade of virtuosity, but it is hardly the central issue. 'Ground' is about finding rest.
Programme note © 1996 Rolf Wallin
The role of the baroque division was often to highlight the astounding virtuosity of the soloist. This piece contains indeed a high grade of virtuosity, but it is hardly the central issue. 'Ground' is about finding rest.
Programme note © 1996 Rolf Wallin
Scores
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Reviews
The ferocious cadenza for solo cello that kick-starts Ground for cello and strings (1997) is a gestrure of unmistakable confidence – here is a composer who knows exactly what he wants.
7th January 2002
Discography
Boyl
- LabelAurora
- Catalogue NumberACD 5011
- ConductorClarinet Concerto) / Terje Tønnesen (Ground) / Christian Eggen (Boyl / Rolf Gupta (Timpani Concerto)
- EnsembleOslo Philharmonic Orchestra (Concerti) / Oslo Sinfonietta (Boyl) / Norwegian Chamber Orchestra (Ground)
- SoloistLeif Arne Tangen Pedersen, clarinet; Tom Vissgren, timpani; Øystein Birkeland, cello