Program Notes
Lalo’s Cello Concerto in D minor

Performed by Auburn Symphony Orchestra, Recorded live at Auburn Performing Arts Center, May 2016
Aram Demirjian, Guest Conductor
Brian Wharton, Cello

Program

Cello Concerto in D minor - Composed by Édouard Lalo

Program Notes

I was raised in a family of professional cellists and learned from both my father and mother. I grew up listening to my mother play this concerto during practice and on recitals. We both enjoy this concerto for its romantic melodies and fiery passage work. Pedagogically, this work is wonderful for developing left hand technique as well as building overall strength and endurance. The first movement is 14 minutes long, which is quite a bit longer than a standard first movement. The soloist is required to play for long extended parts with no rest. The second movement, the Intermezzo, sounds like a Spanish dance. Many European composers, including Lalo, often borrowed music and styles from other countries that they admire. Lalo’s father was in the military and expected Lalo to follow him. Lalo rebelled and left home as a teenager. The march theme in the first movement is somewhat military in nature. Is it possibly a backhanded tribute to his father?

Enjoy this powerful and emotional work.

by Brian Wharton

Soloist

Brian Wharton comes from a musical family in Idaho where both parents play cello and piano professionally. He received degrees from Western Washington University and the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is passionate about teaching and maintains a large studio in Auburn, Washington, teaching students from ages 7 to 80. His students have won the Washington State solo competition and many have been principal cello of the Tacoma Youth Symphony. He has taught at Pacific Lutheran University and played professionally with the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Northwest Chamber Orchestra, and principal cello with the Auburn Symphony. His passion for chamber music led him to create the Auburn Symphony Chamber Series. He produces a wide variety of chamber programs throughout the year at different venues around Auburn including Mary Olson Farm. Brian enjoys fishing with his kids, hiking, and touring national parks. He currently resides in Auburn with his wife Melinda and their two children, Hailey and Connor.