John Casken

Madonna of Silence

Madonna of Silence is far from the quiet piece implied by the title. Indeed, it reflects the inner turbulence of Michelangelo's extraordinary drawing Madonna del Silenzio on which the work is based. Michelangelo's drawing has informed every aspect of my new work, which I have decided not to call trombone concerto, but a drama for trombone and orchestra. The trombone takes on many roles: at the start it represents the quiet, inner voice of the Madonna as she gazes in contemplation at the child, later singing a hymn and, towards the end of the work, lamentations. Both soloist and orchestra are equally engaged in the unfolding drama of a scene brimming with unease and premonitions. John Casken