Commissioned by the Huntingdon Music Society

  • cello
  • 10 min

Programme Note

Narration

The title gives the clue to this piece. It is a tale unfolded by the cello, with many and varied incidents on the way: but it is not simply a string of unrelated events- like any good narrative story it has a shape of form of its own.

The open string A which opens the piece acts as a point of reference and recurs as a reminder from time to time.

Among other things there is a light-hearted pizzicato section and then a more thoughtful passage, and a graceful Poco Lento in 9/8 time.

There are rapid repeated semiquavers, strong incisive chords, a peacefully reflective section- and at last we are led back to the A of the opening.

NARRATION was commissioned by the Huntingdon Music Society and first performed by Steven Isserlis on 13 February 1985 at the Town Hall, Huntingdon.

Elizabeth Maconchy