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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Ainsi soit-il

by Nina C. Young

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2016
Duration
6'
Publisher
Peermusic Classical (distributed by Theodore Presser)
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About this piece

Ainsi soit-il ("So be it") is a single-movement piece for unaccompanied cello, about six minutes long, written in 2016 for Anssi Karttunen's Creative Dialogues suite of new solo works. Karttunen gave the premiere on 15 February 2016 at Reid Hall in Paris, and Zan Berry gave the US premiere in Providence in 2018. Theodore Front describes it as "a rhapsodic, colorful work with an unmetered introduction." Several cellists have since taken it up as a recital piece.

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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