Adolfus Hailstork

Theme And Variations

Cello is the perfect instrument to showcase through this fascinating set of variations on a theme of universal unity. The cello's range and tone evoke the baritone voice; and its facility in contrapuntal playing allows for polyphony in the manner of Bach's cello suites. The theme (sounding like a spiritual) is actually the final chorus of the composer's 'Earthrise;' a profoundly bold cantata using Schiller's 'Ode to Joy' as text; and full of allusions to all four movements of Beethoven's ninth symphony. Hailstork's 'Earthrise' features a festival chorus singing in German; alternating with an African-American chorus singing in English with vernacular verve. The choruses ultimately unite to end the cantata together with 'Draw the Sacred Circle Closer;' a translation of lines from Schiller's 'Ode to Joy.' For advanced cellists.