Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Sonate à 8

by Betsy Jolas

Instrumentation
Cello Ensemble
Composed
1998
Duration
10'30''
Publisher
Éditions Billaudot
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

A work for eight cellos lasting about ten and a half minutes, first played on 11 May 1998 by a cello octet at the 6th Rencontres d'Ensembles de Violoncelles in Beauvais. Jolas revised it in 2006, and Conjunto Ibérico conducted by Elías Arizcuren gave the revised version at the Muziekgebouw, Amsterdam, on 12 April 2006. The title follows her habit of borrowing genre names for unexpected forces (her earlier Sonate à 12 is for twelve voices). Billaudot sells the score and parts.

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.

Music

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us