{C}Concerto Lugubre is a kind of a requiem in memory of Baird's mother who died in 1974, and the murky "lugubre" mood is present in it all the time. The form possesses a number of features of a classical concerto for a solo instrument and orchestra, and the structure of expression is clearly rooted in historical standards. A traditional three-movement construction can be discerned, the viola solo part displaying the "main theme" in the dramatic first movement through a series of two-sound and three-sound combinations played with robust bow strokes. A strong contrast is offered by the second movement, which is filled with plaintive lyricism. Finally the third movement brings the rushing anxiety of fast notes interrupted by the viola chord "theme" from the first movement. The music dies off in a subtle reverie the way it was born out of subtle sounds. The emotions of Concerto Lugubre have romantic roots, as does a lot of Baird music. However, far from being abused, they work on the listener's sensitivity with tenderness and care in order not to tire him with excessive tension.
Concerto Lugubre is a rare specimen of a viola concerto - the viola being almost always treated as an instrument of an orchestra or a chamber ensemble - and a highly attractive one to play, too, for the viola part is both a virtuoso and an emotional show. Baird's choice of the solo instrument was not a chance one, the viola's dark sound and colour fitting the subject and mood of the music. It is worth noting that the viola is supported in a special way by two instruments: a deep, mournful sounding kettledrum and a darkly coloured, gloomy alto flute.
Concerto Lugubre's direct yet subtle emotionality, its obvious references to tradition and, perhaps, its accessibility have earned it a place within the small group of works of contemporary music which are played at subscriber philharmonic concerts and are liked by the everyday music lover who is used to listening to Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
Prepared by Polish Music Information Center, Polish Composers' Union, November 2001.