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JOHNSTONE – Cello Concerto (the Popular) – SOLO CELLO AND STRINGS

Other Identification: An innovative work to the 21st century cello repertoire! Stylistically, there is a mix of popular and classical styles, hence the sub-title the ‘Popular’. The song form, with all its lyricism, is equally as important here as the symphonic form, and the soulful British pop writing often comes to the fore. Yet there are also aspects of the work which derive from the golden age of the romantic period British string orchestral writing, reaching back at least as far as Elgar.
The Cello Concerto of David Johnstone was first written in 2007 but underwent a revision in 2021 to its present form, with the creation of a new central movement.
Total Duration (approximate timings): about 24-25 mins

Movements or sections: Movement I – 9 mins
Movement II and cadenza – 7 mins
Movement III – 8 mins

Instrumentation: This is a work with full string orchestra, and one which does not unduly test the orchestral at a technical level. However, all string sections have moments of prominence where the tone quality is of importance. Given the many ‘divisi’ incorporated, the string sections should never dip below a minimum of 7-6-4-4-2 player numbers.
9 PDFs in total for all material.

Approximate difficulty: Whilst the work cannot be considered a ‘traditional’ solo concerto as such, there is an important concerto role for the soloist, with some challenging and grandioso writing. There are many higher register passages for the cello on the A-string, with the soloist frequently soaring above even the first violins of the orchestra.

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Johnstone Music has been performed by orchestras and conservatories worldwide, earning international recognition in cello repertoire.

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Personal

David Johnstone lives near Pamplona (Navarre, Spain) with his wife Rosa and their two “Spanglish” children, close to the Atlantic Pyrenees. The nearest international airport is Bilbao.

He is interested in world affairs, politics, animal rights, and most sports (including being a lifelong suffering Reading FC fan!). Also passionate about Celtic culture and genealogy, he has traced his ‘English’ family back to 1280, although Scotland and Ireland have also shaped his background. And yes — he is half-ashamed to admit it, he loves silly jokes!

Social Work

David Johnstone supports animal rights, he is against any form of abuse towards them, and says a loud “NO” to bullfighting, foxhunting and any other animal cruelty.

TORTURE IS NOT CULTURE !