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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Six Sonatas for Cello and Basso Continuo, Op. 13

by Willem de Fesch

Instrumentation
Cello, Harpsichord
Composed
1750
Publisher
Donemus
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About this piece

Willem de Fesch's Six Sonatas for cello with basso continuo, Op. 13 (published around 1750), are Baroque sonatas for cello with a harpsichord or other continuo accompaniment. De Fesch (1687–1761), a Dutch violinist and composer and a contemporary of Bach and Handel, worked in Antwerp before settling in London. This Donemus edition by Robert L. Tusler is volume 16 of his complete works. The linked video is Sonata No. 4 in D minor (Largo, Allemanda, Menuetto I and II), played by Annerose Niedworok with Angelika Dehnen on organ continuo.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Late Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Master positions up to 7th.
  • Use 5th–7th positions for high notes; early thumb position basics.
  • Learn treble clef for 4th, 5th, 6th positions.
  • Practice complex shifting with guide‑finger techniques.
  • Manage upper extensions; play double stops (thirds, fourths, sixths) with consistency.
  • Use continuous, selectively applied vibrato.

Right Hand

  • Develop advanced bow strokes: deliberate ricochet & controlled up‑bow staccato.
  • Execute quick string crossings & precise chord articulations.
  • Achieve wide dynamic range while maintaining tone.
  • Seamless transitions between spiccato and legato.
  • Execute multiple stops/chord rolls rapidly.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Increased complexity: fast passages, intricate syncopation.
  • Detailed phrasing & structure; shape long phrases with rubato.
  • Combine expressive dynamics, vibrato & precise bowing techniques.
  • Further refine ensemble sensitivity & leadership.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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