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Fantasy for Cello and Piano

by Liana Alexandra

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1994
Duration
13'
Publisher
Nuova musica consonante / Liana Alexandra Estate (free on IMSLP)
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About this piece

A substantial fantasy for cello and piano of about 13 minutes, written in 1994 for Alexandra's husband, the cellist Serban Nichifor, with whom she performed as Duo Intermedia. IMSLP pairs it with Nichifor's own Epiphany for cello and piano as a companion piece. A recording by the duo, from a 1995 Romanian TV broadcast at the Nuova Musica Consonante festival, is on the composer's YouTube channel. The score and a separate cello part are free on IMSLP from the composer's estate.

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.