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Deixis

by Charlotte Seither

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2009
Duration
14'
Publisher
Bärenreiter
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About this piece

Deixis is a single-movement work of about 14 minutes for unaccompanied cello, written in 2009 during Seither's fellowship at the German Academy Villa Massimo in Rome. It is dedicated to Rohan de Saram, who premiered it at the Villa Massimo on 23 June 2009. Bärenreiter published the score in 2012, printed from the composer's manuscript with performance notes, and Theodore Front's listing calls it "a very challenging work with many special effects and techniques."

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.