Cello Concertino

The premiere of Christian Jessup's Cello Concertino, performed by soloist MacKenzie Quattlebaum, the Gardner-Webb University Orchestra, and the Crest High School Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Patricia Sparti.

​The Cello Concertino was written with the distinct image of a mountain climb in mind. Pieces for solo cello put the cellist at a distinct disadvantage - the more instruments that are added, the more difficult it is for the soloist to be heard. The piece represents a climber (the cellist) trekking up a dangerous slope facing the various elements (the orchestra) such as sharp rocks, heavy snow, and rapid wind. The piece follows the climber battling the elements and, though at times being overwhelmed, eventually coming out victorious.