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Shyshtar (Metamorphoses for Twelve Cellos)

by Franghiz Ali-Zadeh

Instrumentation
Cello Ensemble
Composed
2002
Duration
10'
Publisher
Sikorski (Boosey & Hawkes)
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About this piece

Metamorphoses for twelve cellos, commissioned by the Twelve Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic for their 30th-anniversary cello festival. They premiered it in Berlin on 5 October 2002. Ali-Zadeh later made a version for eight cellos (2003), first played by the ensemble Celli Monighetti in Liestal, Switzerland, and a version for string orchestra (2004) for Camerata Bern.

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.