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Cello Repertoire Initiative

A New Day

by Joan Tower

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2021
Duration
24'
Publisher
Associated Music Publishers (Wise Music Classical)
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About this piece

A four-movement cello concerto (about 24 minutes) written for and dedicated to Alisa Weilerstein. It was commissioned by the Colorado Music Festival, The Cleveland Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra. Weilerstein gave the premiere with the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra under Peter Oundjian on 25 July 2021. In the publisher's programme note, Tower connects the piece to her long-time partner and the passing of time. The movements are 'Daybreak', 'Working Out', 'Mostly Alone' (a cadenza-like movement with occasional string interjections) and 'Into the Night'.

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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