Skip to content

Water Music I: Beside still waters…

by Elizabeth R. Austin

Instrumentation
Cello Ensemble
Composed
1996
Duration
8'
Publisher
American Composers Alliance (archival score, available on request)
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

Water Music I: Beside still waters… is an eight-minute lament for eight cellos, composed in 1996. In the American Composers Alliance catalogue note, the composer links the 'water' of the title to human weeping and the work's lamenting character, and describes music that moves in waves. The score is held in the ACA archive and is supplied on request.

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.