‘for Christopher’ (1975)
Quasi recit.
Poco vivace
Quasi recit.
Vivace scherzando (17 mins)
When , at the early workshop stage of a composition, Francis Routh and Christopher Bunting adopted a collaborative , empirical approach to the testing of ideas for a new work, and when this proved successful also at the final performance stage of a piece , such as the Sonata for solo Cello (1971), the door was immediately opened to further discoveries and projects using the same means : a cello concerto ( 1974) , a cello sonata (1975), setting up a performance partnership (1971). Throughout the three movements of Cello Sonata 1 both instruments are treated equally and share the same material. Only their relationship varies. The slow second movement forms a free connecting link between the two outer movements.Towards the end of the third scherzo movement, which has a slower central section like a Trio, the instruments come together in melodic and rhythmic unison.
First performance 10 November 1975 Germany (Wurzburg, Höchschule)
by Christopher Bunting, Francis Routh
Study score ISMN M 708045 42
LISTEN TO A SOUND SAMPLE (7′ 02″)
II Quasi recit. 2’ 47”
III Vivace scherzando 4’ 15”
Gillian Thoday (cello) Roger Vignoles (piano)
