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Aus der Ferne

by Bettina Skrzypczak

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2011
Duration
7'
Publisher
Ricordi (Berlin), SY 4237
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About this piece

A single-movement piece for cello and piano written in 2011 for ensemble cross.art, whose players Céline Papion and Junko Yamamoto premiered it in Stuttgart on 9 December 2011. In her work commentary Skrzypczak explains that she has long imagined a piano able to play microtones, and here she shapes the piano writing so that its half-steps seem to flow into one another, bringing it close to the cello's expressive line. Most of the piece is marked ppp, and the title ('from afar') refers to a voice heard from a distance.

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.