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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Mazovian Dance (Taniec mazowiecki), arr. for cello and piano

by Grażyna Bacewicz · arranged by Zofia Adamska

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1951
Duration
3'
Publisher
PWM Edition, Kraków (Miniatury Wiolonczelowe No. 26; product code 831; first issued 1952; print on demand)
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About this piece

Bacewicz wrote Mazovian Dance for violin and piano in 1951. Her publisher PWM describes it as a short, virtuosic piece written for teaching, built on folk material that she harmonised freely. A transcription for cello and piano by Zofia Adamska appeared from PWM in 1952 as No. 26 of the Miniatury Wiolonczelowe series and is still sold. Raphaela Gromes recorded it on her 2023 album Femmes, and cello performances last about two and a half to three minutes.

Technical overview

A quick folk-dance showpiece that PWM describes as virtuosic. The level is estimated because the cello part could not be examined.

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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