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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Suppose I Was a Marigold

by Emily Doolittle

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1997
Duration
4'45''
Publisher
Canadian Music Centre (unpublished; printed by CMC)
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About this piece

A short lyrical piece for cello and piano from 1997, commissioned by cellist Greg Homza, to whom it is dedicated. Marked 'wistful' and 'very freely', it unfolds as a rhapsodic cello song over shimmering piano arpeggios, pushing forward and relaxing in waves before a 'nostalgic' return of the opening and a quiet, slower close. Doolittle later made a version for erhu and piano.

Technical overview

A slow, freely paced melody that moves through bass, tenor and treble clefs up to about B4, with wide leaps, heavy chromaticism, triplet and quintuplet figures, and frequent metre changes (6/4, 3/2, 3/4, 2/4, 5/4, 6/8) shaped with rubato against the piano.

Technical focus

  • Shifting
  • Accidentals
  • Meter Changes
  • Rubato
  • Tempo Changes
  • Hairpin Dynamics
  • Slurs
  • Legato
  • Collaboration with Piano

Level rubric

Late Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Master positions up to 7th.
  • Use 5th–7th positions for high notes; early thumb position basics.
  • Learn treble clef for 4th, 5th, 6th positions.
  • Practice complex shifting with guide‑finger techniques.
  • Manage upper extensions; play double stops (thirds, fourths, sixths) with consistency.
  • Use continuous, selectively applied vibrato.

Right Hand

  • Develop advanced bow strokes: deliberate ricochet & controlled up‑bow staccato.
  • Execute quick string crossings & precise chord articulations.
  • Achieve wide dynamic range while maintaining tone.
  • Seamless transitions between spiccato and legato.
  • Execute multiple stops/chord rolls rapidly.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Increased complexity: fast passages, intricate syncopation.
  • Detailed phrasing & structure; shape long phrases with rubato.
  • Combine expressive dynamics, vibrato & precise bowing techniques.
  • Further refine ensemble sensitivity & leadership.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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