For solo cello

Monos I for solo cello was composed in London in 1970 whilst Edwards was studying there with Peter Maxwell Davies. It is dedicated to the Austrian cellist Florian Kitt, who gave the first performance in the Schubert-Saal, Vienna, in 1972.

It is one of three works from Edwards’ student years – the others are Five Carols (1967) and Monos II (1970) – which the composer has allowed to remain in circulation. Elements of his mature style are already present.

Monos I is laid out in three- part song form: the initial A section is passionate and intense; the B section darkly lyrical, leading back to a modified and abridged re-statement of A, which acts as a sonorous coda to the work. A tiny motivic cell, heard at the outset, generates the entire rhythmic and melodic impetus and is explored in detail in a variety of contexts.

Technically, Monos I is a virtuoso piece which makes great demands on the player without exceeding physical and acoustical realities.