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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Easy Cello Hymns - Book One: Twenty traditional hymns for easy violoncello

by David Hendra · arranged by David Hendra

Instrumentation
Cello
Publisher
Self Published
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About this piece

A collection of 20 well-known traditional hymns arranged for easy cello, including 'Abide With Me', 'Amazing Grace', 'Be Thou My Vision', 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' and 'To God Be The Glory'. Each arrangement includes finger numbers and suggested bowings, with the hymn lyrics printed facing the music. The book comes with demo and backing audio tracks for practice and performance, plus a short history of the cello and care tips. Suited to beginning and adult learners who want familiar sacred melodies.

Technical overview

Simple hymn melodies with fingerings and bowings marked, aimed at early cellists developing tone and phrasing on familiar tunes.

Level rubric

Beginner

Left Hand

  • 1st position on all strings with fingers 1–4.
  • Understand whole/half steps
  • No shifting; notes stay in 1st position.
  • Focus on accurate finger placement.

Right Hand

  • Consistent détaché for simple melodies.
  • Extend bow (mid‑bow) on a straight path.
  • Introduce short (2–3 note) slurs.
  • Begin basic string crossings; occasional open‑string double stops.

Bow Strokes

  • Détaché and on‑string staccato.
  • Introduce simple legato (short slurs) and bow retakes.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Simple rhythms with basic subdivisions.
  • Short phrases; limited dynamic contrasts; echo dynamics.
  • Develop a singing, accurate tone.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

Music

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