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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Othmar: Sonata for Cello Alone

by Maria Newman

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2000
Duration
18'
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

Othmar is a three-movement sonata, which the composer also calls a tone poem, for unaccompanied cello (Misterioso – Allegro fuoco; Adagio espressivo; Maestoso appassionato – Presto furioso), lasting about 18 minutes. It is based on Mary De Morgan's 19th-century fairy tale 'Dumb Othmar', in which the girl Hulda wins back the stolen voice of her friend Othmar, and the cello stands for both Othmar's voice and Hulda's quest. The piece was commissioned for the 2000 World Cello Congress, where John Michel gave the premiere; Eric Kutz made the first recording.

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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