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Cello Repertoire Initiative

String Crossing for the Cello, Book Two; The Art of Balance

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of String Crossing for the Cello, Book Two; The Art of Balance
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

This book begins with the approach that the bow should be perfectly balanced between two strings when it is playing a double stop. String Crossing for the Cello, Book Two uses exercises, etudes, and short excerpts of Bach to help the intermediate cellist study string crossing between any two strings with the bow. This book can also help more advanced cellists refine their bow technique prior to playing Bowing Studies on Arpeggios for the Cello.

Technical overview

This intermediate cello bowing book works on string crossing, balance, bow control, and more.

Level rubric

Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Fluent in positions 1–4 with confident shifts & reliable intonation.
  • Introduce 5th position via scales/études.
  • Learn tenor clef for higher passages.
  • Early exposure to thumb position basics.
  • Refine combined shifting & extensions.
  • Advance double stops (two‑note chords).
  • Refine vibrato for expressive shaping.

Right Hand

  • High control over multiple bow strokes.
  • Advanced spiccato for fast passages; reliable sautillé.
  • Apply martelé at frog and mid‑bow.
  • Execute rapid string crossings with minimal arm movement.
  • Adjust contact point to modulate tone.
  • Introduce complex bow patterns & chord rolling.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Faster tempos & varied meter challenges.
  • Tackle compound meters, intricate ornaments & syncopation.
  • Deepen expressive phrasing; analyze piece structure.
  • Clear dynamic contrasts; introduce slight rubato.
  • Enhance ensemble sensitivity.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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