Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cello Sonata

by René Samson

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1999
Duration
20'
Publisher
Donemus
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

René Samson (1948–2019) wrote his Cello Sonata in 1999 on a commission from the cellist Doris Hochscheid and the pianist Frans van Ruth, whose Stichting Cellosonate Nederland champions Dutch music for cello and piano and has released the sonata on CD. The linked video is the first movement, Presto agitato, played by Hochscheid and van Ruth.

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.

Music

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us