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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Songs Without Words

by Gwyneth Walker

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2009
Duration
20'25''
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

Songs Without Words consists of two sets of three short movements for cello and piano. The first set, 'First Notes' (Gently Flowing, With Energy, Homecoming), was written specifically for student cellists; 'Homecoming' reflects the composer's return to her rural Vermont home after a long period of travel. The second set, 'Journeys' (The Far Coast, Salty Spray, Singing Waves), is meant for more advanced players and was prompted by a concert trip to Cape Cod. The composer offers the score and part as free PDFs.

Technical overview

'First Notes' stays in bass clef and goes up to about fourth position, with natural harmonics, rolled pizzicato chords and string crossings. 'Journeys' adds treble clef, tremolo, harmonic glissandi and tapping on the instrument.

Technical focus

  • Legato
  • Shifting
  • Harmonics
  • Pizzicato
  • Double Stops
  • String Crossings
  • 2 Note Slurs
  • Articulation
  • Dynamics
  • Hairpin Dynamics
  • Rubato
  • Tempo Changes
  • Meter Changes
  • Accidentals
  • Collaboration with Piano

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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