Originally composed for solo cello, this work has been adapted by the composer in response to requests from violists. The melodic theme comes from the final chorus of Hailstork’s Earthrise, a profoundly bold cantata using Schiller’s “Ode to Joy” as text, and full of allusions to all four movements of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.

Hailstork’s Earthrise features a festival chorus singing in German, alternating with an African American chorus singing in English with vernacular verve. The two choir...