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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Suite for Cello and Harp

by Lou Harrison

Instrumentation
Cello, Harp
Composed
1949
Duration
11'
Publisher
Peermusic Classical
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About this piece

A five-movement suite from 1949, premiered on 15 April 1950 at Columbia University by Seymour Barab (cello) and Lucile Lawrence (harp), who also edited the Peer International edition (1954). Harp recordings of it describe the movements as Chorale, Pastorale, Interlude, Aria and a closing Chorale, and one liner note says it was inspired by the cave paintings at Lascaux. It is one of Harrison's best-known early chamber works and is regularly recorded by harp-and-cello duos. The score is in the Peermusic Classical catalogue; ask Peermusic or a sheet-music dealer for a copy.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

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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