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Suite Nr. 4 für Violoncello solo

by Yoko Nakamura

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2011
Duration
21'37''
Publisher
Ries & Erler (Berlin)
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About this piece

Nakamura's fourth unaccompanied cello suite, written between 2009 and 2011 and inspired by Friedrich Hölderlin's poem 'Andenken'; each of its six movements is titled with a line from the poem, and the composer's Japanese translations of those lines appear on the published cover. The composer associates it with the spring equinox in her seasonal cycle of suites. Wolfgang Boettcher gave the premiere in Berlin on 24 January 2015, and his recording lasts about 22 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.