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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Music for Cello and Orchestra

by Joan Tower

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
1984
Duration
19'
Publisher
Associated Music Publishers (Wise Music Classical)
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About this piece

A concertante work of about 19 minutes for solo cello and orchestra, written in 1984. The orchestra has double woodwinds, horns, trumpets, bass trombone, timpani, two percussionists, harp and strings. The orchestral materials are available on hire, and a piano reduction can be bought. Lynn Harrell recorded it with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin.

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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