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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Dreidel Fantasy

by Elaine Fine

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2020
Duration
3'
Publisher
Composer (self-published; free on IMSLP)
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About this piece

Dreidel Fantasy (titled Dreidel Fantasie on the score) is a two-page piece for unaccompanied cello that Elaine Fine dated 2 December 2020 and dedicated to Wendy Velasco. Marked Andante moderato, it develops its opening theme through running eighth notes, staccato passages and strummed pizzicato chords before a closing Maestoso of sweeping triplets across the strings. Fine has posted the score free on IMSLP under a Creative Commons licence, together with her own versions for violin and viola.

Technical overview

57 bars, all in bass clef. It includes double stops against open strings, left-hand pizzicato (marked +), three- and four-note pizzicato chords, staccato passages, triplet string crossings in the closing bars, and a few passages that climb above the staff.

Technical focus

  • Double Stops
  • Pizzicato
  • Articulation
  • Rhythm
  • String Crossings
  • Shifting
  • Dynamics
  • Hairpin Dynamics
  • Tempo Changes

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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