In 1972 Nino Rota composed his Cello Concerto No. 1. the actual date of the world premiere, however, remains unknown today. In contrast to his Cello Concerto No. 2, he refers here to the late Romantic solo concerto: The larger orchestra is given a more important function, and the thematic material is characterized by a striking chromaticism.

'Kai' was written in memory of Kai Scheffler, principal cellist and a key member of the Ensemble Modern in Germany, who died tragically young in 1989. . The 18 minute work is in four continuous movements and leads the performers from an aggressive opening through many contrasting sections, often distinctly jazz influenced, to a slow final requiem. . The solo part is almost exclusively lyrical, stretching out long, mournful lines over an accompaniment which, in contrast, can be abrupt and claustrophobic. . This is a challenging and fantastically rewarding work which has established itself in the core of the contemporary cello repertoire.