Pieces in Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Recording and Commissioning Project of New Works for Unaccompanied Cello Featuring Burning Roots Sketch no. 5 by Shawn Head, Solo for Cello by Nick Dulworth, and Persistent by William Clay

ABSTRACT This recording and commissioning project was inspired by a concert from The Library of Congress, The Boccaccio Project. Three composers, Shawn Head, Nick Dulworth, and Bill Clay were commissioned to write works reflecting on their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. The purpose of this project is to expand the repertoire for solo cello, to serve as an artistic response to the coronavirus pandemic, to promote these brilliant composers, and to provide an opportunity to make music with friends during a time of isolation. This written document includes a discussion of the collaborative process of commissioning and preparing these works, and an analysis of each piece. Scores and recordings of these works are provided at the end of the document.