NOTES

Suite for Cello and Piano was composed in the spring of 2021 for a commission from cellist Simona Barbu and pianist Nariaki Sugiura. They premiered the piece on October 30, 2021 at University of North Dakota.

Cello and piano are two of my favorite instruments, and I took great pleasure in exploring the broad range of expression this duo can produce. The music begins with Prelude, an atmospheric and contemplative movement featuring natural harmonics in the cello as well as many rhythmically free, cadenza-like passages. Allegro Pizzicato follows with a fast, syncopated piece in triple meter. The third movement, Serenade, is an offering of lyricism from the cello, with a consistent, harp-like underpinning in 7/8 meter on piano that carries the music. The work concludes with Groove, a gritty, rhythmic piece imbued with the spirit of improvisation and jazz-influenced materials. After an introduction by cello the main theme appears, followed by each instrument taking turns with soloist and accompanist roles, as one would hear in an improvised jam session.