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Cello Repertoire Initiative

String Crossing for the Cello, Book One; The Open-String Book

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of String Crossing for the Cello, Book One; The Open-String Book
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

This book teaches string-crossing technique on the cello with open-string studies that allow the cellist to focus on the right hand. A number of the exercises use staccato bowing to encourage precisely-timed string crossing.

Technical overview

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

Level rubric

Early Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Regular shifting among 1st–4th positions.
  • Frequent shifts with target notes & prepared approaches.
  • Introduce ornamentation (grace notes, slow trills, turns).
  • Begin basic double stops (often with one open note).
  • Combine extensions with shifting.
  • Consistent vibrato on sustained notes with speed variations.

Right Hand

  • Bow arm gains finesse and speed.
  • Introduce controlled spiccato.
  • Sautillé appears in rapid passages.
  • Expand legato into longer, sustained lines.
  • Practice advanced articulations (martelé, refined string crossings).
  • Add complex strokes for double stops/chords.

Bow Strokes

  • Use context‑appropriate strokes: legato, spiccato, martelé.
  • Subtle bow changes during string crossings.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Increased challenges: sixteenths, dotted rhythms, syncopation, contrasting subdivisions.
  • Emphasize expression with crescendos/decrescendos & vibrato.
  • Balance technical precision with emotional delivery.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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