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Cello Repertoire Initiative

to the lighthouse

by Max Knigge

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2018
Duration
9'
Publisher
Donemus
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About this piece

to the lighthouse (2018) is a nine-minute solo for cello by Max Knigge, commissioned by Dutch Classical Talent and written for the Irish-German cellist Nuala McKenna, who gave the first performance in Apeldoorn on 24 January 2019. The linked video is McKenna's performance at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht for the VPRO programme Vrije Geluiden, broadcast on 17 March 2019.

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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