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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cello Sonata in C major, Op. 40

by Emilie Mayer

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1873
Publisher
Bote & Bock, Berlin (1873); modern edition Furore Verlag (fue 10448)
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About this piece

The second of the three cello sonatas Mayer had published, issued by Bote & Bock in Berlin in 1873 alongside the D minor Sonata, Op. 38. The German Wikipedia work list and Furore Verlag's listing give a dedication to Helfride Plüddemann of Kolberg (Colberg), and as with Op. 38 the autograph is considered lost. It is not the same as Mayer's undated C major cello sonata in manuscript, which opens with a slow introduction; Furore Verlag published a new edition in 2025.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Professional

Left Hand

  • Complete command of the fingerboard.
  • Proficient thumb position across all strings.
  • Execute complex double stops and rapid trills precisely.
  • Fast scales and leaps with precise intonation and speed.
  • Apply expressive techniques (portamenti, micro‑adjusted intonation) tastefully.
  • Easily execute false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Seamlessly blends martelé, spiccato, sautillé, legato & ricochet.
  • Meticulous bow distribution for sustained lines or rapid passages.
  • Clear pianissimo to controlled fortissimo.
  • Economical, efficient bow movement with smooth transitions.
  • Employ advanced effects (ponticello, bow effects) artistically.

Musicality

  • Focus on a deeply personal, communicative performance.
  • Make interpretive choices reflecting deep understanding of form, style & emotion.
  • Convey nuanced phrasing, wide dynamic range & a unique artistic voice.
  • Craft dramatic cadenzas/solos with rubato, tone & expressive timing.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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