Three High Places for solo cello by John Luther Adams
Published by Chester
John Luther Adams (b 1953) is a prominent American composer whose work is ''profoundly influenced by the natural world and a strong sense of place.'' As such, his music is strongly rooted in the natural environments where he has resided, including rural Georgia, Mexico, and for much his career, Alaska. A curiousness akin to Edgard Varese and John Cage has led him to incorporate environmental elements such as bird song, field recordings, and naturally occurring overtones in his work.
Like many of his works for strings, Luther Adams's ''Three High Places'' for solo cello (2007) contains only slow-moving natural harmonics and open strings to create a clear, naturally resonant sound. This serene, atmospheric work is deceptively difficult, challenging the enterprising cellist to create the purest sound possible. Master level, Grade 6.
