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Aeromancy: Concerto for Two Cellos

by Jocelyn Morlock

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2011
Duration
14'20''
Publisher
Canadian Music Centre (unpublished; printed by CMC; parts for rent)
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About this piece

Aeromancy is a two-movement concerto for two solo cellos with a small orchestra of two oboes, two horns, glockenspiel and strings. It was commissioned by cellist Paul Marleyn and the International Cello Festival of Canada with Canada Council support. Yegor Dyachkov and Yuri Hooker premiered it with members of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra under Anne Manson in Winnipeg on 15 June 2011. The title means telling the future from the weather (storms, winds, meteors), and in Morlock's note the music swings between bright and ominous moods without ever settling. Ariel Barnes and Joseph Elworthy recorded it with the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra under Leslie Dala for Centrediscs (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.