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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Peace for cello and piano

by Jessie Montgomery

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2023
Duration
4'
Publisher
Jessie Montgomery Music (sold through Notation Central)
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About this piece

The cello-and-piano version of Peace, a four-minute piece Montgomery first wrote in 2020 and that also exists for violin, viola, clarinet and bassoon with piano. Her note, dated 12 May 2020, says it was written a month after the first COVID-19 quarantine orders, as she was learning to accept sadness as a natural part of human experience rather than a purely negative emotion.

Technical overview

A short, slow lyrical piece for cello and piano; difficulty not yet confirmed from the score.

Level rubric

Late Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Master positions up to 7th.
  • Use 5th–7th positions for high notes; early thumb position basics.
  • Learn treble clef for 4th, 5th, 6th positions.
  • Practice complex shifting with guide‑finger techniques.
  • Manage upper extensions; play double stops (thirds, fourths, sixths) with consistency.
  • Use continuous, selectively applied vibrato.

Right Hand

  • Develop advanced bow strokes: deliberate ricochet & controlled up‑bow staccato.
  • Execute quick string crossings & precise chord articulations.
  • Achieve wide dynamic range while maintaining tone.
  • Seamless transitions between spiccato and legato.
  • Execute multiple stops/chord rolls rapidly.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Increased complexity: fast passages, intricate syncopation.
  • Detailed phrasing & structure; shape long phrases with rubato.
  • Combine expressive dynamics, vibrato & precise bowing techniques.
  • Further refine ensemble sensitivity & leadership.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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