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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Configurations

by Rain Worthington

Instrumentation
Cello Ensemble
Composed
2017
Duration
3'15''
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

A three-minute duet for two cellos (also available for cello and double bass), first performed in 2017 by Guillaume Lagravière and Bruno Ispiola at Osmose Intermezzo in Brussels. The two parts trade melody and accompaniment as equals, moving through a tender Moderato con calore, steady loure passages and a closing Andante sereno in triplets.

Technical overview

Both players read bass and treble clef; the first part rises to about D5, and the writing includes measured bowed tremolo, loure bowing, a glissando and a few double stops in the second part, all in chromatic harmony that needs careful tuning between the two cellos.

Technical focus

  • Ensemble Skills
  • Thumb Position
  • Shifting
  • Accidentals
  • Intonation
  • Articulation
  • Tempo Changes
  • Rhythm
  • Hairpin Dynamics
  • Double Stops

Level rubric

Early Advanced

Left Hand

  • Fully integrated thumb position; scales/arpeggios on A & D strings.
  • Smooth shifts into/out of thumb position for sustained high notes.
  • Frequent advanced double stops with rapid, coordinated shifts.
  • Accurate ornamentation (trills, turns, grace notes), even in double stops.
  • Expressively adjust intonation for chord balance.
  • Handle fast runs and large leaps precisely.
  • Introduction to false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Virtuoso bow strokes: controlled up/down‑bow staccato, deliberate ricochet & well‑shaped sautillé.
  • Wide tone palette via precise bow adjustments.
  • Explore advanced effects (col legno, sul ponticello) as needed.
  • Capable of both powerful fortissimo and delicate soft notes.
  • Rapid switching among strokes in cadenzas/virtuosic passages.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Apply rhythmic freedom & rubato to shape movements and cadenzas.
  • Personal interpretation with nuanced phrasing & subtle dynamics.
  • Mature tone and phrasing for solo and ensemble settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced ensemble leadership with visual cues.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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