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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Ballast

by Ville Raasakka

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2026
Duration
13'
Publisher
Donemus
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About this piece

Ballast is a work for cello and orchestra by Ville Raasakka, composed in 2026. Commissioned by Sirja Nironen, with funding provided by the EU project Guarding the Baltic Sea, Coordinated by the Goethe Institut and Saastamoinen Foundation. Written for Sirja Nironen, Chamber Orchestra Avanti! and Tampere Biennale. First performance 18th April 2026, at Tampere Biennale, by Sirja Nironen (cello), Chamber Orchestra Avanti!, and Mateusz Gwizdalla (conductor).

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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