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Scion

by Betsy Jolas

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
1973
Duration
3'10''
Publisher
Heugel / Alphonse Leduc
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About this piece

A three-minute piece for unaccompanied cello, written in 1973 as the set work for the cello competition at the Conservatoire de Boulogne-Billancourt. In the description of his own recording, cellist Anssi Karttunen says every cellist sitting the conservatory's final examination that year had to play it. It is the earliest of Jolas's solo cello pieces and is still programmed in recitals of her 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.