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Rapture (cello and piano)

by Laura Elise Schwendinger

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2003
Duration
8'30''
Publisher
Lauren Keiser Music Publishing (LKM Music, distributed by Hal Leonard)
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About this piece

Rapture is a one-movement piece of about eight minutes for cello and piano, Schwendinger's 2003 adaptation of her 1999 work of the same name for flute and piano. She made the cello version for Jens Peter Maintz, principal cellist of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, who premiered it with pianist Stephan Kiefer in the Akademiekonzerte at the American Academy in Berlin on 24 May 2003. Theodore Front's listing calls the music "lyric and challenging". The piece also exists in versions for clarinet and for horn.

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.