Programme Notes for Cellango

An energetic piece for cello quartet composed for a Music Network national tour of Ireland during the lockdown period. This piece is dedicated to the Irish cellist, Aisling Drury-Byrne, who was one of Ailbhe’s most influential cello teachers. The piece, which is in the well-known Argentinian dance form, the Tango, is an homage to Astor Piazzolla who revolutionised the traditional tango form.  Cellango is a spirited and light-hearted work with flowing melodies and singing counterpoint. The resonant tones of four cellos at speed adds to its excitement. The slower mid-section allows for a different texture in sound. On the return of the first theme, the cellos add more rhythmic effects and a faster tempo to add to the performance until we reach the closing climax complete with glissandos for added fun!