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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Suite for Cello and Piano

by Lou Harrison

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1995
Duration
8'
Publisher
Peermusic Classical
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About this piece

A late suite in three movements, composed in 1995 and premiered on 13 May 1995 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Watsonville, California, near Harrison's home. It runs about eight minutes and is one of only two Harrison works for cello with a single accompanying instrument, the other being the 1949 Suite for Cello and Harp. Published by Peermusic Classical (sold by Ficks Music, $19).

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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