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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cello Sonata

by Elena Ruehr

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2015
Duration
13'
Publisher
E. C. Schirmer Music Company (Ione Press), cat. no. 8923
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About this piece

Ruehr's Cello Sonata (2015) is a work of about 13 minutes for cello and piano, written for cellist Jennifer Kloetzel. Its three sections are played without a break: the composer's published note describes an upward-reaching lyrical opening, a darker blues-tinged middle section and an exuberant finale, tracing a young person's hopes, setbacks and eventual success. The cello part begins with long, quiet low notes over rippling piano arpeggios and later moves into treble-clef passagework, glissandi and strummed pizzicato chords.

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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