Jonathan Harvey was once a professional cellist and wrote some of his most imaginative music for the instrument. In his Three Sketches (1989) the cello’s G string is replaced by a second D string and each miniature requires a different scordatura: in the second movement the D strings are slightly detuned, and in the third the two lover strings are tuned to a low B-flat and the C the ninth above. Over the course of 8 minutes the soloist assumes various roles, from rough rhythmicist to ethereal spirit and much in between.

‘Harvey’s cello music always sings.’
International Record Review (Michael Oliver), September 2002