“Understated, leaving room to grow.” 

This was among the notes I wrote during early brainstorming sessions for this work, as I was trying to find an emotional anchor point to tether the as-yet-unwritten music to. What resulted is the music that opens the piece. Unsurprisingly, it suggested something more intimate than a typical concerto; hence the title, A Lyrical Concertino. The work is lyrical in its prioritization of thematic development over displays of virtuosity. The diminutive “concertino” points to the chamber music-like relationship between soloist and ensemble.

Throughout, the cello’s role is that of mentor. It proposes the musical ideas and leads the  conversation, while encouraging the ensemble to offer its own take on these ideas and to meaningfully shape the musical narrative. In this sense, A Lyrical Concertino borrows just as much from sonata traditions as it does from concerto traditions.

This work was written for a consortium of wind ensembles led by Dr. Brian Lamb and the University of Central Oklahoma Wind Symphony. The world premiere is scheduled for April 24, 2024 with Dr. Wei Guo performing the solo part.

Thanks for listening,

Danny

2 flutes (fl. 2 doubles piccolo)

2 oboes

2 Bb clarinets

2 bassoons

2 trumpets in Bb

2 horns in F

2 trombones

percussion (snare drum, glockenspiel, vibraphone)

piano

solo cello (optionally amplified)

Mvt I: Moderato - 10'50"

Mvt II: Andante - 6' 00"

Mvt III: Allegro - 6' 05"

Buy-in amount: $250.00

Due date: Feb. 1

Delivery Date: Feb. 1

Delivery method: PDF score (11x17), PDF ensemble parts (8.5x11), PDF cello part (A4).

Dedication: Your name along with your ensemble's name will appear in the score's front matter, and I will be eternally grateful for your contribution.

Exclusivity: The world premiere will be at the University of Central Oklahoma on April 24th, 2025.  Consortium members will have exclusive rights to performance from April 25th, 2025 through the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.  The piece will be available for purchase and performance in summer 2026 to non-members.

Payment: You can pay via Stripe or PayPal. The links to these payment methods are at the bottom of the page. If you would like to pay by check, please do contact me!

Additional: I am happy to accommodate special requests if I am able to. Examples include:

• part size modification

• hard copy delivery (additional printing, binding, and delivery fees apply)

• only interested in performing one or two movements? Okay!

If scheduling permits, I would love to meet you, your students, and your cello soloist in person, to provide feedback during rehearsal, and to attend your performance. I do not ask a fee for attendance, but I do require reimbursement for travel and accommodations. Thank you for your understanding.