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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Capriccio in A-flat major, H. 247

by Fanny Mendelssohn

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1829
Duration
6'40''
Publisher
Breitkopf & Härtel
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About this piece

The Capriccio is the second of Fanny Hensel's two cello-and-piano works, composed in autumn 1829 for her youngest brother Paul, an amateur cellist, and dedicated to him. It opens with an Andante and moves to an Allegro di molto, touching both A-flat major and F minor. Breitkopf's Urtext pairs it with the G minor Fantasia and describes the pair as showing Beethoven's influence in their equal partnership between cello and piano.

Technical overview

Two sections, Andante and Allegro di molto, in A-flat major/F minor. The HenselPushers edition provides an annotated cello part with suggested bowings and fingerings by Miranda Wilson; the sources give no further technical detail.

Level rubric

Late Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Master positions up to 7th.
  • Use 5th–7th positions for high notes; early thumb position basics.
  • Learn treble clef for 4th, 5th, 6th positions.
  • Practice complex shifting with guide‑finger techniques.
  • Manage upper extensions; play double stops (thirds, fourths, sixths) with consistency.
  • Use continuous, selectively applied vibrato.

Right Hand

  • Develop advanced bow strokes: deliberate ricochet & controlled up‑bow staccato.
  • Execute quick string crossings & precise chord articulations.
  • Achieve wide dynamic range while maintaining tone.
  • Seamless transitions between spiccato and legato.
  • Execute multiple stops/chord rolls rapidly.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Increased complexity: fast passages, intricate syncopation.
  • Detailed phrasing & structure; shape long phrases with rubato.
  • Combine expressive dynamics, vibrato & precise bowing techniques.
  • Further refine ensemble sensitivity & leadership.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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