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Cello Repertoire Initiative

A Mother's Prayer

by Karen Sunabacka

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
1999
Publisher
Self Published
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About this piece

A solo-cello piece from 1999 by Métis composer Karen Sunabacka, who grew up learning fiddle tunes on violin and bass lines on cello from her grandparents. It was performed by Métis cellist David Liam Roberts at 'International Cello Festival: A Métis Celebration' (St. Norbert Arts Centre, Winnipeg, 30 October 2025), a programme that wove works by Sunabacka, Ian Cusson and Pat Carrabré together with Andy De Jarlis fiddle tunes. Scores are available from the composer on request.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Technical focus

  • Bow Control
  • Tempo Changes

Level rubric

Early Advanced

Left Hand

  • Fully integrated thumb position; scales/arpeggios on A & D strings.
  • Smooth shifts into/out of thumb position for sustained high notes.
  • Frequent advanced double stops with rapid, coordinated shifts.
  • Accurate ornamentation (trills, turns, grace notes), even in double stops.
  • Expressively adjust intonation for chord balance.
  • Handle fast runs and large leaps precisely.
  • Introduction to false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Virtuoso bow strokes: controlled up/down‑bow staccato, deliberate ricochet & well‑shaped sautillé.
  • Wide tone palette via precise bow adjustments.
  • Explore advanced effects (col legno, sul ponticello) as needed.
  • Capable of both powerful fortissimo and delicate soft notes.
  • Rapid switching among strokes in cadenzas/virtuosic passages.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Apply rhythmic freedom & rubato to shape movements and cadenzas.
  • Personal interpretation with nuanced phrasing & subtle dynamics.
  • Mature tone and phrasing for solo and ensemble settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced ensemble leadership with visual cues.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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