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Sonata for Cello and Piano

by Sylvia Hazlerig

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2006
Duration
26'6''
Publisher
Composer (self-published); free edition by Michel Rondeau on IMSLP (WIMA project)
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About this piece

Sylvia Hazlerig's Sonata for Cello and Piano (2006), dedicated to her friend Richard von Foerster, is a four-movement work of about 26 minutes: a languid Prelude, a driving Turbulent, an Adagio Passacaglia whose variations include glissandi, double stops and a muted sul ponticello tremolo passage, and a Rondo-Allegro in 6/8. It was typeset by Michel Rondeau for the Werner Icking Music Archive project and is offered free on IMSLP with full score, separate cello and piano parts and MusicXML files, released by the composer under a Creative Commons licence.

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.