Although the Concerto for 12 Cellos is unique for Englund in its choice of instruments, it constitutes an excellent vantage point from which to survey his music. For in addition to being one of Englund's finest, most expressive works, it serves as a synthesis of the main genres favoured by him in its integration of the orchestral, concerto and chamber dimensions. A group of twelve cellos produces a homogeneous sound that is nevertheless rich in potential. In this concerto the spectrum ranges from a full-bodied orchestral timbre to pure, translucent chamber writing.