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Moon Suite

by Wilma Pistorius

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2015
Duration
20'
Publisher
Donemus
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About this piece

Moon Suite, Op. 12 (2015), is a 20-minute suite for solo cello based on the phases of the moon, the first large work Wilma Pistorius wrote after graduating. Its seven movements are Water/Ocean, Nightshade, Belladonna, The Mermaid's Song, Fugue, To weave a rain of moondrops and Barcarolle. It is dedicated to the cellist Ragnhild Eskeland Wesenberg and "Miss David", her carbon-fibre cello, and Wesenberg plays it in the linked recording (Stockholm, 2020).

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.