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Exit, Pursued by a Bear (Cello)

for Violoncello Solo

Program Note
Exit, Pursued by a Bear gets its title from a famous stage direction in the Shakespeare play, The Winter’s Tale.  The moment when this direction occurs is the pivotal point in the play, when it ceases to become a tragedy, and begins its progression to the happy ending usually reserved for comedies.

I was drawn by this stage direction in two ways.  One, because of its rather laconic and succinct format, scattered among the usual flowery, Shakespearean language.  However, more importantly, I was drawn in by the frightening image of a savage, extinct beast (wild bears were unknown to 17th century English audiences, as they had been extinct on the island since the 11th century) chasing me endlessly through a strange, Bohemian forest.  This feral, violent chase is the primary inspiration for the piece.

bear-cello