• violin [cello]/pf

Programme Note

ON FIRE is in one movement, fast – slow, fast with a quiet coda section. The first part is a combination of contemporary rock linn drum patterns in the piano part with Jimi Hendrix-like North Indian cello lines. It builds up to a crescendo leading to a quiet section. Out of this comes a slow movement and a cadenza for the solo cello. In the final section all the elements of the piece at last come together. It is dedicated to Jacqueline du Pré and much of the string writing is highly influenced by Nigel Kennedy’s revolutionary style of playing.

ON FIRE was written for Caroline Dale between May-July 1986 and first performed by her with Keith Swallow at the Salisbury Festival on 11 September 1986.

Discography