[1][2] The Cello Concerto has a duration of roughly 25 minutes and is composed in three movements:[2] The work is scored for solo cello and orchestra, where the orchestra consists of two flutes (2nd doubling piccolo and alto flute), two oboes, two clarinets (2nd doubling bass clarinet), two bassoons (2nd doubling contrabassoon), four French horns, three trumpets, two tenor trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, three percussionists, harp, and strings.
Reviewing the world premiere, Melinda Bargreen of The Seattle Times praised the work for its "audience-friendly tonal language" and Techno-inspired orchestration.
Bargreen wrote, "Attractive and tonal, featuring a first-rate soloist, this was a premiere that an audience could really appreciate, and the standing ovation was so enthusiastic that Roman finally returned for a solo encore".
"[2] Lynn Green of The Columbus Dispatch commended Bates for "capitaliz[ing] on the natural, organic aspects of musicianship in his cello concerto."
Green added, "This challenging work is not so much about melody as expressions of color, texture and energy.