Skip to content

Sonata Concertante

by Ruth Schonthal

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1973
Duration
16'39''
Publisher
Furore Verlag
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

A three-movement sonata from 1973 that Schonthal wrote to be played on cello, viola or clarinet with piano. The cello version lasts about 16½ minutes. The movements are marked Andante, molto rubato; Slow, calmly, with much expression; and Allegro moderato. According to the New York Women Composers catalogue, cellist Maxine Neuman and pianist Joan Stein gave the premiere in Hofheim, Germany, and they later recorded it (released 1983).

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.