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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Octave Shifts for the Cello, Book Two

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Octave Shifts for the Cello, Book Two
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Octave Shifts for the Cello, Book Two gives advanced cellists further opportunity to study and perfect the technique of distance shifting. While large shifts regularly appear in solo literature, it is unusual to have an opportunity to study them apart from the repertoire. This book presents octave shifting studies for the cello in a 'theme-and-variations' format.

Technical overview

This intermediate cello technique book helps you work on large shifts in the neck positions.

Technical focus

  • Shifting

Level rubric

Early Advanced

Left Hand

  • Fully integrated thumb position; scales/arpeggios on A & D strings.
  • Smooth shifts into/out of thumb position for sustained high notes.
  • Frequent advanced double stops with rapid, coordinated shifts.
  • Accurate ornamentation (trills, turns, grace notes), even in double stops.
  • Expressively adjust intonation for chord balance.
  • Handle fast runs and large leaps precisely.
  • Introduction to false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Virtuoso bow strokes: controlled up/down‑bow staccato, deliberate ricochet & well‑shaped sautillé.
  • Wide tone palette via precise bow adjustments.
  • Explore advanced effects (col legno, sul ponticello) as needed.
  • Capable of both powerful fortissimo and delicate soft notes.
  • Rapid switching among strokes in cadenzas/virtuosic passages.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Apply rhythmic freedom & rubato to shape movements and cadenzas.
  • Personal interpretation with nuanced phrasing & subtle dynamics.
  • Mature tone and phrasing for solo and ensemble settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced ensemble leadership with visual cues.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

Music

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