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The Triplet Book for Cello, Part Two

by Cassia Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of The Triplet Book for Cello, Part Two
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

The Triplet Book for Cello, Part Two presents studies and short pieces that train the cellist's left and right hands in playing groups of three notes. Working on chromatic fingerings (1-2-3-4 rather than 1-2-4), developing left- and right-hand agility, and including triplets in double stops, this book is entirely in closed first position. Appropriate for first and second- year cello students and adult learners, this book is also useful as a warm-up book for intermediate and advanced cellists. This book works well along with Finger Exercises for the Cello, Book One, and Finger Exercises for the Cello, Book Two.

Technical overview

A beginning cello technique book that helps you play with faster fingers and better intonation in groups of three notes.

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.