Concerto for Cello and Wind Ensemble

Written in 2013, the Cello Concerto was commissioned by Donal Flynn in memory of his wife Penpon. It is subtitled "Bojjhangaparitta" and takes it's inspiration from the Buddhist chant of that name.

The Pali word Bojjhanga is a compound of bodhi (enlightenment) and anga (factor), while a Paritta (protection or safeguard) refers to the Buddhist practice of reciting or chanting certain verses or scriptures in order to ward off evil fortune or dangerous conditions.

The work is in three continuous parts and lasts about twenty minutes. It opens with a recitative-like narrative for the solo cello over sustained chords. This quickly changes to the main movement, a fast scherzo, busy and demanding for both soloist and ensemble alike. The final section is a very beautiful slow movement which starts with the cello playing the "Bojjhangaparitta" theme transcribed from the chant. This eventually passes through the whole ensemble, the work ending peacefully and with great dignity.