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Suite Nr. 2 für Violoncello solo

by Yoko Nakamura

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2009
Duration
25'12''
Publisher
Ries & Erler (Berlin)
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About this piece

Nakamura's second suite for unaccompanied cello, written in 2008–09 and premiered by Wolfgang Boettcher in Mannheim on 10 October 2009. The composer calls it her winter suite: its six movements run from an elegy and fugue through two movements about wishing to become a breeze and then a gust of wind, frost, a stormy winter sea framing a flickering candle flame, and a closing movement on wandering. Boettcher's recording runs about 25 minutes.

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.