I was commissioned to write something for the Belgrade Cello Fest – an annual festival that’s been drawing cellists from all over the world for more than a decade. I knew it had to be something that will immediately relate to those who have spent the better part of their lives with the violoncello and its repertoire.
After giving it some thought, I chose to create an homage to the most recognizable of all cello pieces – The Swan, from the Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens. As we get closer to the end of the piece, you’ll see there’s a bit of Tchaikovsky there as well, and for obvious reasons. Finally, Black Swan is also my personal musical fan-mail to the amazing Natalie Portman, whose poster from the movie “Léon” still hangs on the wall of my old room, in my parents’ house.
arr: violoncello & piano
dur: cir. 7 min.