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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Summerland

by William Grant Still · arranged by Timothy Holley

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1935
Duration
4'30''
Publisher
William Grant Still Music
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About this piece

Cellist Timothy Holley's arrangement for cello and piano of 'Summerland', the middle movement of Still's piano suite Three Visions (between 'Dark Horsemen' and 'Radiant Pinnacle'). The publisher, William Grant Still Music, also sells versions of Summerland for violin, flute, organ, two pianos and orchestra, among others. The cello arrangement was recorded by Duo Dolce on its 2020 album 'Summerland: Music for Cello and Piano by Composers of African Descent'.

Technical overview

A short single movement for cello and piano; the score was not seen, so specific technical demands have not been verified.

Level rubric

Early Advanced

Left Hand

  • Fully integrated thumb position; scales/arpeggios on A & D strings.
  • Smooth shifts into/out of thumb position for sustained high notes.
  • Frequent advanced double stops with rapid, coordinated shifts.
  • Accurate ornamentation (trills, turns, grace notes), even in double stops.
  • Expressively adjust intonation for chord balance.
  • Handle fast runs and large leaps precisely.
  • Introduction to false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Virtuoso bow strokes: controlled up/down‑bow staccato, deliberate ricochet & well‑shaped sautillé.
  • Wide tone palette via precise bow adjustments.
  • Explore advanced effects (col legno, sul ponticello) as needed.
  • Capable of both powerful fortissimo and delicate soft notes.
  • Rapid switching among strokes in cadenzas/virtuosic passages.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Apply rhythmic freedom & rubato to shape movements and cadenzas.
  • Personal interpretation with nuanced phrasing & subtle dynamics.
  • Mature tone and phrasing for solo and ensemble settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced ensemble leadership with visual cues.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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