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Winter Music, Op. 104a

by Elena Firsova

Instrumentation
Cello Ensemble
Composed
2005
Duration
10'
Publisher
Sikorski (Boosey & Hawkes)
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About this piece

A duet for two cellos, about 10 minutes, made in 2005 on a commission from Simon Rayner. It is Firsova's own arrangement of her Winter Songs, Op. 104 (2003), three settings of Osip Mandelstam ('Frost', 'Snow Storm', 'Space') for soprano and cello originally written for the cellist Nina Kotova.

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.