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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Vocalise

by Lex van Delden · arranged by Doris Hochscheid and Frans van Ruth

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1951
Duration
4'
Publisher
Donemus
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About this piece

Lex van Delden wrote his Vocalise in 1951 for mezzo-soprano and piano (Op. 29a) and dedicated it to the composer Henriëtte Bosmans; the version for cello and piano (Op. 29a-bis) dates from 2000. The linked recording of the cello version is by Doris Hochscheid and Frans van Ruth.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Advanced

Left Hand

  • Unrestricted fingerboard operation.
  • Effortless high‑register passages with thumb position.
  • Execute large leaps, rapid shifts & fast runs with precise intonation.
  • Render double stops with clarity and even vibrato.
  • Crisp, stylistically appropriate ornamentation (trills, turns, mordents).
  • Instinctive micro‑adjustments in intonation for expressiveness.
  • False harmonics in low positions

Right Hand

  • Complete command of all bow strokes at any tempo/dynamic.
  • Comfortable execution of virtuoso passages (sautillé, intricate ricochet).
  • Tone projection from whisper‑quiet to fortissimo.
  • Integrate advanced bow patterns with expressive phrasing.
  • Demonstrate technical precision with a broad dynamic range.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Interpret large‑scale structures with nuanced pacing and rhythmic freedom.
  • Highly refined phrasing with subtle note grouping & expressive rubato.
  • Convey emotional depth and stylistic authenticity.
  • Incorporate personal interpretive choices while meeting stylistic demands.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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