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Nueve micropiezas (Nine Micropieces)

by María Luisa Ozaita

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2003
Duration
19'5''
Publisher
Editorial Boileau (B.3375)
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About this piece

A cycle of nine short pieces for unaccompanied cello, written in 2003 at the request of the cellist Dimitar Furnadjiev and lasting about 19 minutes in all. In her preface, Ozaita explains that every piece except No. 4 grows from the motif heard in the first bar of No. 1, that No. 4 is based on a Basque folk melody, and that No. 9 is a variation of No. 1 that closes the cycle. The set is meant to be played complete, but the composer allows individual pieces, especially No. 4, to be performed on their own.

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.