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Following the Star: Solo Christmas Carol Arrangements for Unaccompanied Cello

by Myanna Harvey

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
C. Harvey Publications
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Cover of Following the Star: Solo Christmas Carol Arrangements for Unaccompanied Cello
Cover courtesy of C. Harvey Publications

About this piece

Experience the magic and beauty of the Christmas season with these exquisite arrangements of solo, unaccompanied Christmas carols for cello! Weaving melodies with lyrical supporting notes that embellish and imply harmony, these arrangements enhance and expand on the well-known carol tunes to make a more substantial contribution to seasonal programs. Perfect for concerts, church services, gigs, playing for friends and family, or just enjoying the sounds of Christmas as you play them, the arrangements in this book give new opportunities to musicians who play alone. These arrangements creatively embellish the note of the carols so that the player can create a beautiful sound for a background gig or audience. These cello carols are in first through fourth position with several instances of optional fifth position and are set at an intermediate level. Please note: the book is intended to be played alone; there is no accompaniment and the book is not compatible with the books of arrangements for other instruments.

Technical overview

Enchanting unaccompanied Christmas carol fantasias for cello solo.

Level rubric

Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Fluent in positions 1–4 with confident shifts & reliable intonation.
  • Introduce 5th position via scales/études.
  • Learn tenor clef for higher passages.
  • Early exposure to thumb position basics.
  • Refine combined shifting & extensions.
  • Advance double stops (two‑note chords).
  • Refine vibrato for expressive shaping.

Right Hand

  • High control over multiple bow strokes.
  • Advanced spiccato for fast passages; reliable sautillé.
  • Apply martelé at frog and mid‑bow.
  • Execute rapid string crossings with minimal arm movement.
  • Adjust contact point to modulate tone.
  • Introduce complex bow patterns & chord rolling.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Faster tempos & varied meter challenges.
  • Tackle compound meters, intricate ornaments & syncopation.
  • Deepen expressive phrasing; analyze piece structure.
  • Clear dynamic contrasts; introduce slight rubato.
  • Enhance ensemble sensitivity.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.