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Cello Repertoire Initiative

In Me

by Paola Prestini and Tanya Tagaq

Instrumentation
Cello, String Orchestra
Composed
2021
Duration
5'
Publisher
Self-published
More by Paola PrestiniMore by Tanya Tagaq

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About this piece

In Me is a 2021 reimagining, for solo cello and string orchestra, of a song from Tanya Tagaq's album Tongues, made by Paola Prestini in collaboration with Tagaq. The solo cello takes the place of Tagaq's voice. It uses rapid alternations of high and low notes, wide glissandos and tremolos, while the string orchestra imitates the electronic effects on her recordings. Near the end, a passage marked "Freak Out" asks the orchestra to improvise over drawings of tangled lines in their parts. A long decrescendo follows, broken by a single sudden outburst. Cellist Jeffrey Zeigler and the New Century Chamber Orchestra gave the world premiere in November 2021 and recorded it for Tagaq's album Tongues North Star Remixes (2022).

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Professional

Left Hand

  • Complete command of the fingerboard.
  • Proficient thumb position across all strings.
  • Execute complex double stops and rapid trills precisely.
  • Fast scales and leaps with precise intonation and speed.
  • Apply expressive techniques (portamenti, micro‑adjusted intonation) tastefully.
  • Easily execute false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Seamlessly blends martelé, spiccato, sautillé, legato & ricochet.
  • Meticulous bow distribution for sustained lines or rapid passages.
  • Clear pianissimo to controlled fortissimo.
  • Economical, efficient bow movement with smooth transitions.
  • Employ advanced effects (ponticello, bow effects) artistically.

Musicality

  • Focus on a deeply personal, communicative performance.
  • Make interpretive choices reflecting deep understanding of form, style & emotion.
  • Convey nuanced phrasing, wide dynamic range & a unique artistic voice.
  • Craft dramatic cadenzas/solos with rubato, tone & expressive timing.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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