Scherzo Grosso

This piece brilliantly integrates a cello soloist into a big-band sound. It was written in tribute to a former member of the band who passed away, and a wide range of emotion—anger, agitation, surprise—can be heard in cellist Matt Haimovitz’s playing. The turbulent instrumentation invites full-throttle wailing from all sections of the band, and a duet near the end between cello and electric guitar turns from pleasant to snarling as the rest of the rhythm section reenters. It’s gripping, but never grim.

—DA