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Sonata for Cello and Piano

by Victoria Bond

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1971
Duration
11'
Publisher
Seesaw Music / Subito Music
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About this piece

A single-movement sonata for cello and piano from 1971, roughly ten to eleven minutes long, laid out as one continuous span with several contrasting sections and moods. It was first performed on 20 June 1971 at Café Figaro in Los Angeles. A 1976 recording by cellist Gilberto Munguia with the composer at the piano appears on the album Twentieth Century Cello (Cambria).

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.