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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cello Concerto No. 5 'The Forest in April'

by Jan-Peter de Graaff

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2021
Duration
31'
Publisher
Donemus
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About this piece

Jan-Peter de Graaff's Cello Concerto No. 5, "The Forest in April" (2021), was commissioned by the cellist Maya Fridman and the Noord Nederlands Orkest, who gave the premiere under Nicolò Foron in March 2021. Its three movements are The Forest; The Echo Chamber, which opens with a solo cadenza before the orchestra joins; and Requiem. The linked video is the live premiere recording from TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht.

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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