Leonovich - Solomon for Cello and Piano

Solomon is a fun, five-movement work in klezmer style, chronicling the life of the biblical King Solomon. The opening motive is based on the rhythm of the Russian reading of “You shall serve the Lord your God,” and this motive appears in every movement, either rhythmically or melodically.

The second movement uses Israel Goldfarb’s famous tune “Shalom Aleichem” and unfolds in three sections: a shofar-like call to worship, a jazzy section with a walking bass, and a freilach. The third movement is a hora, while the fourth movement is an improvisation and waltz drawing on material from Wandering Klezmer for solo clarinet. The fifth movement reprises the first movement and includes a reference to the Dies irae near the end.

Solomon was originally composed in 2010 for the Prima Trio, scored for violin, clarinet, and piano. It was transcribed for cello and piano in 2014 and revised in 2021. The five movements are: I. Introduction, II. Doina and Freilach, III. Hora, IV. Improvisation and Waltz, and V. Epilogue.

This work is suitable for early advanced cellists and works well for recitals, contemporary music programs, Jewish-themed concerts, and performances featuring klezmer-inspired classical music. A recording may be heard here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7ivgojbjBoWOxNnORYryJZ?si=jzieb-opRB20fwNEk3Xtgw

ASTA level: 3.5