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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Il est né le divin enfant

by Traditional · arranged by Kathy Blackwell and David Blackwell

Instrumentation
Cello, Cello
Composed
2021
Publisher
Self Published
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About this piece

The French carol 'He is born, the divine Child' arranged as a cello duet by Kathy and David Blackwell, free to download from their website. In G major, cut time, marked 'Joyfully'; the melody stays in first position while the second part adds easy double stops. A version for violin and cello is also available.

Technical overview

First position; 2/2 time; the second part has simple two-note chords (double stops) and the first part eighth-note pairs; mp to f.

Technical focus

  • Double Stops

Level rubric

Late Beginner

Left Hand

  • Mostly 1st position with small extensions.
  • Early shifting to 2nd/3rd positions.
  • Controlled vibrato on sustained notes.

Right Hand

  • Expanded bow technique for faster passages & wider dynamics.
  • Longer slurs (3–4 notes).
  • Hooked bowing for dotted rhythms.
  • Practice basic martelé accents.
  • Increase speed in string crossings with minimal arm movement.

Bow Strokes

  • Standard détaché; add staccato, martelé, short slurs, hooked strokes.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Incorporate dotted figures, compound meters (6/8), triplets & syncopation.
  • Develop subdivision sense; introduce rubato in small measures.
  • Slightly longer phrases.
  • Introduce basic dynamic shading.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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