DSO - Forsyth Barr 'Crouching Tiger'

Umberto Clerici: Conductor
Ashley Brown: Cello

Biber: Battalia à 10
Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 4

Based on his Oscar-winning score for Ang Lee’s film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Chinese-American composer Dun’s Concerto, was originally written for cellist Yo-Yo Ma. It continues Dun’s exploration of the meeting of East and West cultures, conjuring up exotic landscapes.

Biber’s Battalia, written in 1673 for strings, is thought to be a commentary about the absurdity of war. It depicts various war scenes, asking for some unusual instrumental techniques: percussive pizzicato (cannon shots), and using a piece of paper to buzz on the strings.

In Symphony No. 4, Beethoven’s characteristic melodic and rhythmic drive propel the music from its mysterious start to triumphant conclusion.

Umberto Clerici has only recently taken up the conductor’s baton, having previously been a cellist (he appeared as DSO soloist in 2015), but already he has a flourishing career in NZ and Australia. Acclaimed as a musician of “unimpeachable artistry”, Auckland-based Ashley Brown is a leading cello soloist, chamber musician, a founding member of NZ Trio, and recording artist.