Calling
C.C. is a flexible and light-hearted piece for string orchestra (ideal
in lighter programmes or as an ‘encore’), equally suitable
to all numbers from near chamber size of some twelve players or so
up to symphonic string section sizes. The only thing to bear in mind
is the more soloist type part in the central section that is ideal
for the principal cellist (and if not for the violin leader). The faster
and very lively outer sections have a blues feel within classical writing – it
is not jazz as such, but the modern popular ambience is at once obvious
as is the humour contained therein. The slower middle section too has
its blues feel, the string soloist (cellist or violinist) ideally forgetting
his/her romantic sound and wonderful vibrato, and instead making a
metallic trumpet-like sound! Calling C.C. refers to the initials of
Caroline Collier, a most versatile and gifted British (Welsh) conductor
on the Iberian peninsula who has put a lot of faith in the string orchestra
works of Johnstone and certainly deserves this dedication.
