Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Dear Nora

by Elizabeth Knudson

Instrumentation
Cello, Accompanying Electronics
Composed
2016
Duration
6'
Publisher
Canadian Music Centre
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

A six-minute piece for solo cello and a stereo fixed-media track (2016). The track carries a reading, by Vancouver author Fraser Nixon, of the letter James Joyce wrote to Nora Barnacle on 15 August 1904, shortly after they met. In her programme note Knudson says she was struck by how well the letter captures the hesitant uncertainty of new love. Cellist Marina Hasselberg gave the premiere at the Western Front, Vancouver, on 18 March 2017.

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.

Music

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us