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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Lift

by Elena Ruehr

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2013
Duration
10'
Publisher
Merion Music, Inc. (Theodore Presser Company), Composer Manuscript Edition
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About this piece

Lift is a ten-minute work for unaccompanied cello, written for Jennifer Kloetzel and dated 2013 in the composer's work list. Presser's catalogue note says it was inspired by Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani campaigner for girls' education, and that Ruehr gives no detailed program, leaving the drama to the music itself. Kloetzel's recording is the title track of Lift, an album of Ruehr's chamber music released by Avie Records in January 2015.

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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