![[Menotti, Gian Carlo. (1911–2007)] [Ellis, Osian. (1928–2021)] Cantilena e Scherzo for String Quartet and Harp (1977) - AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT BY OSIAN ELLIS](http://www.schubertiademusic.com/cdn/shop/files/Menotti_2C_Gian_Carlo_Cantilena_Harp_Osian_Ellis_MS_13196a.jpg?v=1722188502)
![[Menotti, Gian Carlo. (1911–2007)] [Ellis, Osian. (1928–2021)] Cantilena e Scherzo for String Quartet and Harp (1977) - AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT BY OSIAN ELLIS](http://www.schubertiademusic.com/cdn/shop/files/Menotti_2C_Gian_Carlo_Cantilena_Harp_Osian_Ellis_MS_13196b.jpg?v=1722188502)
![[Menotti, Gian Carlo. (1911–2007)] [Ellis, Osian. (1928–2021)] Cantilena e Scherzo for String Quartet and Harp (1977) - AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT BY OSIAN ELLIS](http://www.schubertiademusic.com/cdn/shop/files/Menotti_2C_Gian_Carlo_Cantilena_Harp_Osian_Ellis_MS_13196c.jpg?v=1722188503)
[Menotti, Gian Carlo. (1911–2007)] [Ellis, Osian. (1928–2021)]. Cantilena e Scherzo for String Quartet and Harp (1977) - AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT BY OSIAN ELLIS. An interesting autograph manuscript by the harpist and composer who gave the first performance of the work, evidently copied by him from the manuscript and with his detailed markings and corrections and annotations throughout, this being almost certainly the copy used by him in preparation of the first performance. Upright folio. 10 pp. Accomplished in black, blue and purple ink, and pencil. In fine condition.
The Welsh harpist and composer Osian Ellis was former Principal harpist of the London Symphony Orchestra, first harpist of the Melos Ensemble and is especially known for his musical association with Benjamin Britten.
The Cantilena and Scherzo was first performed at Alice Tully Hall (New York, Lincoln Center) on March 15, 1977 by Osian Ellis, James Buswell (violin), Ani Kavafian (violin), Walter Trampler (viola) and Leslie Parnas (cello). The work has its roots in Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro and Debussy’s Danse sacrée et danse profane, but instead of separating the two movements, Menotti frames the Scherzo with the Cantilena’s lyrical material, creating a ternary structure. The very choice of the word ‘Cantilena’ betrays Menotti’s preoccupation with vocal writing, and the result is suitably song-like, full of melodic richness, sustained string writing, and a resonating harp part. A passionate climax leads into the mercurial triple-rhythm Scherzo, before the Cantilena’s joyous return.
[Menotti, Gian Carlo. (1911–2007)] [Ellis, Osian. (1928–2021)]. Cantilena e Scherzo for String Quartet and Harp (1977) - AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT BY OSIAN ELLIS. An interesting autograph manuscript by the harpist and composer who gave the first performance of the work, evidently copied by him from the manuscript and with his detailed markings and corrections and annotations throughout, this being almost certainly the copy used by him in preparation of the first performance. Upright folio. 10 pp. Accomplished in black, blue and purple ink, and pencil. In fine condition.
The Welsh harpist and composer Osian Ellis was former Principal harpist of the London Symphony Orchestra, first harpist of the Melos Ensemble and is especially known for his musical association with Benjamin Britten.
The Cantilena and Scherzo was first performed at Alice Tully Hall (New York, Lincoln Center) on March 15, 1977 by Osian Ellis, James Buswell (violin), Ani Kavafian (violin), Walter Trampler (viola) and Leslie Parnas (cello). The work has its roots in Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro and Debussy’s Danse sacrée et danse profane, but instead of separating the two movements, Menotti frames the Scherzo with the Cantilena’s lyrical material, creating a ternary structure. The very choice of the word ‘Cantilena’ betrays Menotti’s preoccupation with vocal writing, and the result is suitably song-like, full of melodic richness, sustained string writing, and a resonating harp part. A passionate climax leads into the mercurial triple-rhythm Scherzo, before the Cantilena’s joyous return.