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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cello Sonata in B-flat major

by Emilie Mayer

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Publisher
Unpublished in Mayer's lifetime (autograph, Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin); first edition Furore Verlag (fue 10456), ed. Barbara Gabler
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About this piece

An undated cello sonata in four movements (Allegro maestoso, Andante cantabile, Scherzo, Allegro) that survives in Mayer's corrected fair copy in the Berlin State Library. It is the earlier version of her Cello Sonata in A major. According to the IMSLP work pages, the two versions differ mainly in key, except that the A major version replaces the first theme of the opening movement with a new, more lyrical one that suits the cello better. A scan of the manuscript is free on IMSLP, and Furore Verlag has published a first edition.

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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