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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Thumb Position Duets for the Cello, Book One

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Thumb Position Duets for the Cello, Book One
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Correlating directly with Thumb Position for the Cello, Book One, these duets give the student music examples which use the specific skills learned in that book. Each page of duets uses only the thumb position notes that were taught on the same page number in Thumb Position, Book One.

Technical overview

Supplement your thumb position method with these cello duets.

Technical focus

  • Thumb Position

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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