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Rhapsody No. 1 for solo cello

by Jessie Montgomery

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2022
Duration
7'
Publisher
Jessie Montgomery Music (sold through Notation Central)

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About this piece

Montgomery's cello transcription of her Rhapsody No. 1, first written for solo violin (a viola version also exists). In her note she calls it the first solo piece she wrote for herself, inspired by Eugène Ysaÿe's solo works and meant to work both as an étude and as a concert piece. It is planned as the first of a set of six solo works, each inspired by a composer from the past.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Advanced

Left Hand

  • Unrestricted fingerboard operation.
  • Effortless high‑register passages with thumb position.
  • Execute large leaps, rapid shifts & fast runs with precise intonation.
  • Render double stops with clarity and even vibrato.
  • Crisp, stylistically appropriate ornamentation (trills, turns, mordents).
  • Instinctive micro‑adjustments in intonation for expressiveness.
  • False harmonics in low positions

Right Hand

  • Complete command of all bow strokes at any tempo/dynamic.
  • Comfortable execution of virtuoso passages (sautillé, intricate ricochet).
  • Tone projection from whisper‑quiet to fortissimo.
  • Integrate advanced bow patterns with expressive phrasing.
  • Demonstrate technical precision with a broad dynamic range.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Interpret large‑scale structures with nuanced pacing and rhythmic freedom.
  • Highly refined phrasing with subtle note grouping & expressive rubato.
  • Convey emotional depth and stylistic authenticity.
  • Incorporate personal interpretive choices while meeting stylistic demands.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.