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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Stellar Remnants

by Ellen Reid

Instrumentation
Cello, Electronics
Composed
2017
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

A work for cello and live electronics written for Johannes Moser and the Laguna Beach Music Festival, where it was premiered in February 2017. The cellist controls the electronics through a custom interface designed by Stephanie Cheng Smith: a laptop running a Max/MSP patch, a motion sensor on a stand by the left hand that shapes the sound when the player's hand moves over it, and two foot pedals, one to switch the sensor on and one to step through the piece's scenes. A companion interactive installation, Stellar Remnants | Pulsing, was made for the same festival.

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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