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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Ballade in F minor

by Minna Keal

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1929
Duration
8'
Publisher
Corda Music Publications
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About this piece

A Romantic ballade of about eight minutes, written in 1929 when Keal (then Mina Nerenstein) was a student of William Alwyn at the Royal Academy of Music. It was composed for viola and piano, premiered at the Academy by Philip Burton, admired by Lionel Tertis, and won her a composition bursary, but it stayed in manuscript until Corda published it in 1993. Alexander Baillie prepared the cello version with the composer's help and recorded it for NMC. Her publisher notes elements of the composer's Jewish heritage in the music.

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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