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Scale

by Christine Southworth

Instrumentation
Cello, Accompanying Electronics
Composed
2013
Duration
6'18''
Publisher
Composer (self-published, sold via Airplane Ears Music / Pulley)
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About this piece

Scale is a six-minute piece for cello and a pre-recorded electronic backing track, written in 2013 for cellist Eric Byers of the Calder Quartet. According to the composer's works list, the piece takes its inspiration from rock climbing, and in particular The Nose, the famous route up El Capitan in Yosemite. The cellist plays along with a fixed track, which the composer supplies with the score, so a performance needs only playback and amplification.

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.