Ballade for Cello and small Orchestra (arr. from Ballade, for cello and piano)

Frank Martin was one of the leading Swiss-born composers of the generation that emerged prior to the Second World War. The basis of his forms and expression is neo-classicism, but within that context he used various innovations in twentieth century notions of harmony and tonality. Among his most important series of compositions is the set of one-movement works with solo instrument called Ballades.

Unlike nineteenth century works with that title, Martin's Ballades are not especially melodic. The Ballade for Cello was originally written for piano accompaniment and later orchestrated for a chamber group. In the orchestral version Martin often pits the warm, low voice of the cello against the thinner, high sound of the oboe. The piece exploits the cello's wide range and its capacity for double-stopping. The work is tonal, with harmonies made more tart by the addition of pointed dissonances. The 15-minute work builds up in tension, but soon subsides to a static conclusion.

© Joseph Stevenson, All Music Guide