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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Incantations III

by Liana Alexandra

Instrumentation
Cello, Accompanying Electronics
Composed
2002
Duration
12'
Publisher
Liana Alexandra Estate (free on IMSLP)
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About this piece

A piece of about 12 minutes for solo cello with a fixed electroacoustic tape part made by the composer, written in 2002 and dedicated to the cellist Serban Nichifor; it belongs to her Incantations series, which began in 1978. Performing it needs only a way to play back the tape alongside the cellist, and both the score and the tape recording are free on IMSLP from her estate. Performances include Nichifor at the Romanian Athenaeum in 2009 and Jennifer Shaw at a Vox Novus Composer's Voice concert in New York in 2013.

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.

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