Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Purusha, Op. 25

by Sonja Béets

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2000
Duration
20'
Publisher
Digital Music Print (DMP), Belgium; distributed by UMMP (cat. VCP10427DMP)
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

A three-movement sonata for cello and piano of about 20 minutes, composed in June–July 2000 and revised in January 2004. The first movement opens Largo with low pizzicato strokes answered by broad bowed phrases marked 'à grand cachet'. The composer shares the title with her ensemble Purusha, for whose players she regularly writes, and she recorded rehearsal performances of all three movements with cellist Didier Poskin.

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