concerto

The Violoncello Concerto No. 3 continues John Melby’s series of concerti, numbering (in March of 2012) 21 such works, but with a difference: the others, with one exception, have substituted a computer-synthesized accompaniment for the traditional orchestra, but this piece is part of a series of concerti for instruments with orchestra. The concerto, completed in March of 2012, is cast in one extended movement of about 26 minutes in duration for violoncello and orchestra and takes full advantage the virtuosic capabilities of the cello. 

Composer's note:  In this work, the first movement uses two Basque melodies (one of which is a Basque lullaby whose text contains only Basque nonsense words) for the first group and a "Bulgarianized" version of a Hungarian folk melody for the second in this short sonata form.  The second movement is an arrangement of a 14th century melody by Guillaume de Machault, and the last owes something to Scandinavian folk music (the obscure title refers to a favorite Finnish dill-infused salad dressing that I like to make on occasion).

Instrumentation:      Solo Eb Alto Saxophone

Piccolo
Flutes 1&2
Oboes 1&2
English Horn
Bassoons 1&2
Eb Clarinet
Bb Clarinets 1-3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophones 1&2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
F Horns 1-4
Bb Trumpets 1-5
Trombone 1&2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Piano
Timpani (5)

Percussion 1-3
1 Snare Drum (SD), Suspended Cymbal (SUS CYM),
Tam Tam
2 Bass Drum (BD), Tam Tam (same instrument as for
Percussion 1), Triangle (TRI)
3 Orchestra Bells (BELLS), Xylophone (XYLO), Crash
Cymbals (CR CYM)

The Piano Concerto No. 3 continues Melby's series of concerti, now numbering
nineteen works, but with a difference. The others, with one exception, have
substituted a computer-synthesized accompaniment for the traditional orchestra, but
this piece begins a new series of concerti for instruments with orchestra. The
concerto, composed for the phenomenal Canadian pianist Winston Choi, is cast in one
extended movement of about 25 minutes in duration and takes full advantage of
Winston Choi's astounding virtuosity, culminating in an exuberant burst of energy.