Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Three States of Being

by Natalie Williams

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2007
Duration
7'
Publisher
Australian Music Centre
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

Three States of Being is a seven-minute piece for cello and piano written in 2007 for 'Hammer and Nail', Indiana University's annual dance collaboration project, where cellist Richelle Steiner premiered it with three dancers in Bloomington on 27 April 2007. The music moves through three emotional states (sadness, anger and freedom) one at a time and then combines them in a contrapuntal finale. The Australian Music Centre grades it at AMEB Grade 7.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Late Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Master positions up to 7th.
  • Use 5th–7th positions for high notes; early thumb position basics.
  • Learn treble clef for 4th, 5th, 6th positions.
  • Practice complex shifting with guide‑finger techniques.
  • Manage upper extensions; play double stops (thirds, fourths, sixths) with consistency.
  • Use continuous, selectively applied vibrato.

Right Hand

  • Develop advanced bow strokes: deliberate ricochet & controlled up‑bow staccato.
  • Execute quick string crossings & precise chord articulations.
  • Achieve wide dynamic range while maintaining tone.
  • Seamless transitions between spiccato and legato.
  • Execute multiple stops/chord rolls rapidly.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Increased complexity: fast passages, intricate syncopation.
  • Detailed phrasing & structure; shape long phrases with rubato.
  • Combine expressive dynamics, vibrato & precise bowing techniques.
  • Further refine ensemble sensitivity & leadership.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

Music

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us