Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Thirds in Thumb Position for the Cello, Book One

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
More by this composer

Purchase or download

Cover of Thirds in Thumb Position for the Cello, Book One
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

This book follows Thirds in Thumb Position, Preparatory Studies and presents 46 studies on double-stop thirds for the cello. Beginning with basic shifting and fingered thirds, the book progresses to longer shifting patterns, and ends with a complete scale in thirds.

Technical overview

This advanced cello double stop book teaches thirds, giving you essential cello technique, better intonation, and spectacular hand strength!

Technical focus

  • Thumb Position
  • Double Stops

Level rubric

Advanced

Left Hand

  • Unrestricted fingerboard operation.
  • Effortless high‑register passages with thumb position.
  • Execute large leaps, rapid shifts & fast runs with precise intonation.
  • Render double stops with clarity and even vibrato.
  • Crisp, stylistically appropriate ornamentation (trills, turns, mordents).
  • Instinctive micro‑adjustments in intonation for expressiveness.
  • False harmonics in low positions

Right Hand

  • Complete command of all bow strokes at any tempo/dynamic.
  • Comfortable execution of virtuoso passages (sautillé, intricate ricochet).
  • Tone projection from whisper‑quiet to fortissimo.
  • Integrate advanced bow patterns with expressive phrasing.
  • Demonstrate technical precision with a broad dynamic range.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Interpret large‑scale structures with nuanced pacing and rhythmic freedom.
  • Highly refined phrasing with subtle note grouping & expressive rubato.
  • Convey emotional depth and stylistic authenticity.
  • Incorporate personal interpretive choices while meeting stylistic demands.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

Music

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us