Cysgodion: Fantasia for 8 Solo Celli and 2 Solo Bassi, Opus 155

Cysgodion means 'shadows' or better, 'shades'. This very black and meditative music was written for Virtuosi di Basso, the cello and bass section of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, in Wales in November 2004, just after the premiere of my first piece for this ensemble 'Gwenllian'. I returned from Prague with the sounds of their performance still in my head, and on a dark November late afternoon, the day known as 'All Souls' or 'Halloween' I managed to produce this music, which tries to evoke light from a starting point of darkness and contemplation. In a way, different qualities of 'spirits' or 'shadow' appear and reappear, sometimes substantial, sometimes rushing by, sometimes warm and lyrical, sometimes cold and sad. Perhaps a series of hopes, fears and question marks? Duration: about 8 minutes. Parts available on this website! (next item down)