Big thanks to Suzana Stefanovic (co-ordination), Carmen María Elena González (director of the cello ensemble), Israel Fausto (co-ordination), Carolina Landriscini (co-ordination), María de Macedo (Colaborator), Gary Hoffman (cello masterclasses)

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‘JOY TO JANOS’ A Cello Festival Overture with Hungarian Flavour (2024) – by David JOHNSTONE

CELLO OCTET or LARGER CELLO ENSEMBLE

Dedicated to Suzana Stefanovic & Israel Fausto

World premiere on 29th September 2024 in an admirable concert with the following very fine young cellists:
Mario Camargo, Marina Gutiérrez, Marina García, Jaime García, Rafael Gutiérrez, Sandra Cortés, Andrea Beltrán, Leonel Contreras, Elena Rodríguez, Inmaculada Olmo, Jesús García de Leániz, Adriana Césaro y Miguel Romero

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FREE SCORES UNDERNEATH!

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Programme Notes:

David Johnstone composed this rousing piece for eight cellos in April 2024, but it can equally well be performed by larger cello ensembles/orchestras of all sizes. The idea for its conception came from Susana Stefanovic (principal cello, Radio–Television Orchestra of Spain) and Israel Fausto Martínez Melero (head cello professor at the Seville Advanced Music Conservatoire) for something ‘special’ dedicated to the memory of the amazing Hungarian-American cellist JANOS STARKER (1924 – 2013) as we approach the 100th birthday anniversary on 5th July. I, myself, have not taken classes with him, but I did hear him live on occasion in London when I was studying at the R.A.M., and his interpretations were the absolute reference for me when I starting learning the Kodal Solo Cello Sonata!

This present work takes the form of an overture – an introduction featuring the first cellist (should be played as a solo if the parts are doubled in larger ensembles), then a potent allegro section of obvious Hungarian influences (which also has an occasional reference to the Kodaly Solo Cello Sonata!). After the beginning of this section is heard in a recapitulation, the music leads directly to an even more brilliant Finale section – here one can hear the wild mixes between Hungarian rhythms, jazz harmonies, and virtuoso writing for all eight instrumental parts!

Despite possibly presenting some initial difficulty, this music is readily playable for medium-to-advanced cellists (advanced music college students, professional players and teachers, and promising younger players). Above all, everything has been designed so that all musicians can fully ENJOY playing this music – lasting about 6 – 7 minutes – with a big smile! In larger ensembles a conductor is optional.

PDF 1 – Cello Parts 1 to 4: https://johnstone-music.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Johnstone-JOY_TO_JANOS-8_Cellos-CELLO_PARTS_1_to_4.pdf

PDF 2 – Cello Parts 5 to 8: https://johnstone-music.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Johnstone-JOY_TO_JANOS-8_Cellos-CELLO_PARTS_5_to_8.pdf

PDF 3 – General Score: https://johnstone-music.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Johnstone-JOY_TO_JANOS-8_Cellos-GENERAL_SCORE.pdf