Skip to content

Suite for Cello and Piano

by Howard Swanson

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1949
Duration
15'
Publisher
Weintraub Music (Wise Music Classical)
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

A four-movement suite for cello and piano (Prelude, Pantomime, Dirge, Recessional) lasting about 15 minutes. Reference works date it to 1949, the year before the New York Philharmonic premiere of Swanson's Short Symphony brought him national attention. It is published by Weintraub Music through Wise Music Classical, and has been recorded by Anthony Elliott with pianist Toni-Marie Montgomery and by Duo Dolce (Kristen Yeon-Ji Yun and Phoenix Park-Kim) on their 2020 album 'Summerland'.

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.