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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Shifting in Keys for Cello, Book One: Keys of C, G, D, F, and B-flat

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Shifting in Keys for Cello, Book One: Keys of C, G, D, F, and B-flat
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Shifting in Keys for Cello, Book One presents studies that move through the positions, focusing on the half and whole steps in each key. This book helps the cellist solidify their knowledge of extended and closed positions in the keys of C, G, D, F, and B-flat. Shifting in Keys is especially helpful as preparation for the patterns found in Baroque repertoire, such as the cello sonatas by Vivaldi, Marcello, and Handel. The exercises extend into seventh, eighth, and ninth positions, making this an ideal study book for late-intermediate students or a helpful warmup book for early-advanced cellists. This is a good book to study after Serial Shifting for the Cello and might be followed by Broken Thirds (One String) for Cello, Book One.

Technical overview

This cello shifting technique book teaches you the notes and spaces in C, G, D, F, and B-flat and helps with cello sight-reading.

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.

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