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Composing The Great Experiment: Daniel DiMarino on Cello, Collaboration, Energy, and Voice
In this episode of the Cello Museum Podcast, composer Daniel DiMarino and cellist Dr. Jonathan Simmons take us inside the creation of "The Great Experiment," a newly commissioned work for cello and piano.
Framed as a “study of energy,” the piece evolved through collaboration, revision, and performance. DiMarino shares his compositional process—from first ideas to final form—along with the challenges of writing for cello and piano for the first time.
The conversation explores:
- Writing for the cello: register, balance, and texture
- Shaping musical form through energy and contrast
- Collaboration between composer and performer
- The meaning behind the title "The Great Experiment"
- What defines an “American” musical sound
- Influences from Copland, Kodály, Korngold, and film music
- Accessibility and connecting with audiences
DiMarino also discusses his work in music production, church music, and cinematic composition, and how these experiences shape his musical voice.
At the heart of this conversation is a central idea:
“I’m not particularly interested in my ideas just being my ideas… I want something approachable.”
🔗 Learn More
Daniel DiMarino
https://www.danieldimarinomusic.com
Dr. Jonathan Simmons
https://jonathansimmonscello.com
Explore more at the Cello Museum:
https://cellomuseum.org
Watch the world premiere of "The Great Experiment" & read show notes: https://cellomuseum.org/composing-the-great-experiment-daniel-dimarino-on-cello-collaboration-energy-and-voice/
🎧 Subscribe
Follow the Cello Museum Podcast for more conversations exploring the past, present, and future of the cello.
The Cello Museum Podcast is the official podcast of the Cello Museum.
Explore articles, exhibitions, and upcoming events at: https://cellomuseum.org
Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with fellow cellists and music lovers.
If this conversation inspires you to explore unaccompanied cello repertoire, join us in Delaware this summer at the Bethany Beach Cellofest (9–16 August). Find details here.
View all episodes
By Dr. Brenda NeeceIn this episode of the Cello Museum Podcast, composer Daniel DiMarino and cellist Dr. Jonathan Simmons take us inside the creation of "The Great Experiment," a newly commissioned work for cello and piano.
Framed as a “study of energy,” the piece evolved through collaboration, revision, and performance. DiMarino shares his compositional process—from first ideas to final form—along with the challenges of writing for cello and piano for the first time.
The conversation explores:
- Writing for the cello: register, balance, and texture
- Shaping musical form through energy and contrast
- Collaboration between composer and performer
- The meaning behind the title "The Great Experiment"
- What defines an “American” musical sound
- Influences from Copland, Kodály, Korngold, and film music
- Accessibility and connecting with audiences
DiMarino also discusses his work in music production, church music, and cinematic composition, and how these experiences shape his musical voice.
At the heart of this conversation is a central idea:
“I’m not particularly interested in my ideas just being my ideas… I want something approachable.”
🔗 Learn More
Daniel DiMarino
https://www.danieldimarinomusic.com
Dr. Jonathan Simmons
https://jonathansimmonscello.com
Explore more at the Cello Museum:
https://cellomuseum.org
Watch the world premiere of "The Great Experiment" & read show notes: https://cellomuseum.org/composing-the-great-experiment-daniel-dimarino-on-cello-collaboration-energy-and-voice/
🎧 Subscribe
Follow the Cello Museum Podcast for more conversations exploring the past, present, and future of the cello.
The Cello Museum Podcast is the official podcast of the Cello Museum.
Explore articles, exhibitions, and upcoming events at: https://cellomuseum.org
Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with fellow cellists and music lovers.
If this conversation inspires you to explore unaccompanied cello repertoire, join us in Delaware this summer at the Bethany Beach Cellofest (9–16 August). Find details here.