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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Fantasi

by Nancy Dalberg

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1911
Duration
2'38''
Publisher
Edition·S (Danish Classical Music, DCM.046)
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About this piece

A short Andante in 6/8 for cello and piano, dated November 1911 in Dalberg's manuscript, from around the time she began lessons with Carl Nielsen. It was first heard at her debut composition concert at the Odd Fellow Palace in Copenhagen on 8 November 1915, played by cellist Louis Jensen and pianist Henrik Knudsen together with her Andante serioso; one critic called it 'quite well done'. Unpublished until Edition·S's 2024 scholarly edition, it was first recorded in 2025 by Jonathan Slaatto and Martin Qvist Hansen (Dacapo).

Technical overview

A singing melody, mostly in tenor clef in the upper neck positions on the A string, with chromatic accidentals (including double sharps), an agitato rise and a final page that climbs higher and ends ff. Calls for sustained legato phrasing, controlled shifts and dynamics from pp to ff.

Technical focus

  • Shifting
  • Legato
  • Accidentals
  • Hairpin Dynamics
  • Dynamics
  • Tempo Changes

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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