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Cello Repertoire Initiative

The Night Demons, Op. 62

by Elena Firsova

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1993
Duration
10'
Publisher
Boosey & Hawkes (print on demand)
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About this piece

A single-movement piece for cello and piano marked Agitato, about 10 minutes long, commissioned by the Norfolk and Norwich Festival and dedicated to Steven Isserlis. Isserlis and the pianist Ian Brown gave the premiere at Blackfriars Hall, Norwich, on 11 October 1993; Boosey & Hawkes quotes The Times calling it "a moving essay on shattered lyricism". Alexander Ivashkin and Richard Shaw recorded it for Meladina Records.

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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