Superduets for Cello, Book 2

About this piece

Superduets for Cello, Book 2 is a 16-page book of original duets for two cellos by Mary Cohen, part of Faber Music's Mary Cohen's Superseries. In her preface Cohen says it is written for 'well-established beginners who can play the one-octave scales and arpeggios of D and G major' and who know pieces in Finger Pattern One (the semitone between the third and fourth fingers). It can follow Superduets 1 or any other standard material. Each piece is a character portrait, from Professor Peg-Box and Signor Pizzicato to Captain Fortissimo and Signorina Ritardando. Each title names a musical term or technique, and each comes with rehearsal and performance tips that ask pupils to 'think, listen and count'. Every duet fits with Superduets 2 for violin, so mixed violin and cello groups can play them, and Cohen says pupils who finish the book should be ready for beginner string quartets. 'Mrs Andantino Goes for a Walk' is set for ABRSM Cello Initial Grade (List B, from 2024).

Technical overview

Twelve short duets for two players in first position: Professor Peg-Box listens to the woodpeckers; Signor Pizzicato dances the polka; Major Marvel goes skating; Gabriella's Octopus is always very friendly; Mrs Andantino goes for a walk; Mister Misterioso tells a story; Captain Fortissimo and his fire crew get hot and bothered; General Pause stops to think; Doctor Canon tries to catch up; Mister Misterioso floats away; Signorina Ritardando slows down; Professor Peg-Box tries out some dynamic echoes. Gabriella's Octopus (Allegretto, G major) has the two players trade arco and pizzicato at rehearsal letters, with mp/p/mf dynamics, accents and a brain-teaser about octaves. Mister Misterioso tells a story uses 'improvise' and 'listen' bars cued by a spoken narrative.

Technical focus

• Pizzicato
• Ensemble Skills
• Dynamics
• Detaché
• G String Notes
• D String Notes
• A String Notes
• Theory