Skip to content

Figures from "The Garden of Earthly Delights"

by Patrick van Deurzen

Instrumentation
Cello, Percussion
Composed
2014
Duration
17'
Publisher
Donemus
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

Figures from "The Garden of Earthly Delights" is a three-movement work for cello and percussion by Patrick van Deurzen, each movement based on a figure from Hieronymus Bosch's painting: "Creature reading a book", "Clothed Person" and "Man with pen, paper and seal". The piece also uses lines from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. The linked studio recording is by the duo New Morse Code (New York, 2015).

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.