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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cloud Atlas

by Elena Ruehr

Instrumentation
Cello, String Orchestra, Harp
Composed
2011
Duration
15'
Publisher
Merion Music, Inc. (Theodore Presser Company)
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About this piece

Cloud Atlas is a 15-minute concerto for solo cello, harp and string orchestra, composed in 2011 and named after David Mitchell's novel of the same title. Ruehr wrote it for cellist Jennifer Kloetzel of the Cypress String Quartet, and Presser's catalogue notes that it was written for conductor Barbara Day Turner and the San Jose Chamber Orchestra. Kloetzel recorded it with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project under Gil Rose for O'Keeffe Images, the 2014 BMOP/sound album of Ruehr's orchestral music.

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.

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