born of flesh, bone and brain

For Violoncello

Programme Note:

born of flesh, bone and brain continues and transforms material from my ESOlo project, which involves creating individual solos for principal players in the English Symphony Orchestra (ESO). These solos form the basis of an orchestral composition, with each musical idea contextually linked through transformative processes. This approach fosters cohesion in the final orchestral work, offering a compelling method of composition that evolves from solo performances into a full orchestral piece.

More specifically, this composition grows out of its predecessor, as they fall into the sea, an extended solo for contrabassoon. However, the contrabassoon piece, along with other ESOlo materials drawn from various solos, served only as a starting point for a new exploration—one that delved into the unique acoustic character of the cello. As the material developed, the piece gradually moved away from its origins, evolving into something distinct and urgent.

Now, born of flesh, bone and brain stands as an audible ‘distant relative’ of as they fall into the sea and the ESOlo project, marking a new direction in ongoing compositional transformation.

The piece is dedicated to Antoni Majewski, whose exceptional playing and fearless performance spirit served as its inspiration.

Duration: circa 18 minutes © Marc Yeats | April 2025