Bosanquet: Elegie (cello)

Instruments: cello and piano

Catalogue no.: D1995-6

ISMN: 979-0-708807-51-3

Exam syllabus:  ABRSM Grade 8 (2020-2023)

This piece was written in memory of Joan Dickson, a loved and respected cellist and teacher who was a friend and colleague of the composer. The final phrases are played entirely as harmonics on the C string – this is because, shortly before she died, Joan Dickson wrote to Caroline Bosanquet that she did not understand harmonics, and was glad that Caroline had written a book explaining them (now published by SJ Music: The Secret Life of Cello Strings U1996-3) . In addition, Bosanquet has written that as harmonics “have been in existence since the beginning of time, and always will go on to the end of time, they represent eternity.”