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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Urban Prayer

by Karen Tanaka

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2004
Duration
20'
Publisher
Chester Music (Wise Music Classical)
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About this piece

A 20-minute work for cello and orchestra written for Joan Jeanrenaud, who premiered it with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra under Kent Nagano. It was commissioned by Jane Dutcher and is dedicated to Jeanrenaud and her mother. In her programme note Tanaka says the title points to the prayers of people today, with their tension and anxiety, and that the piece grew out of the prayers and hymns she knew as organist at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Santa Barbara. The orchestra includes triple woodwind, brass, three percussionists, piano and strings.

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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