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Concerto in Azzurro, Op.87

Category Orchestral > Concertos
Composed 2000-2002
Duration (approx) 21 minutes
Parts 

Cello, orchestra: 2(II=picc). 2(II=ca). 2(II=bcl). 2 - 4231 - timp - perc(2): vib/glsp/2 susp. cym/ch.cym/gong/tam-t/ tgl/rainstick/chinese bell tree/BD - harp - cel - strings

Recording(s) Matthews: Orchestral Works
Publisher Faber Music
Commission 

BBC for the National Orchestra of Wales

First performance 5 October 2002
Venue Cheltenham Town Hall
Orchestra / Ensemble BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Conductor Richard Hickox
Soloists / Players Steven Isserlis (cello)
Review Paul Conway, The Independent, 15 October 2002
  

Concerto in Azzurro for cello and orchestra derives from a holiday spent on the Island of Lundy, and a vision of blueness there. This is represented at the concerto’s conclusion in a magical evocation, as soloist and orchestra’s convergence on B flat, and the swish of a rainstick, open up a vision of an everlasting sea and sky suffused.