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Cello Repertoire Initiative

RIDDLE

by Augusta Read Thomas

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2022
Duration
5'30''
Publisher
Nimbus Music Publishing
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About this piece

RIDDLE (2022) is a virtuoso solo cello piece of about five and a half minutes, commissioned by Anssi Karttunen in memory of Oliver Knussen. Karttunen premiered it at the Aldeburgh Festival on 24 June 2022. Thomas describes it as fast, playful and dance-like, mixing influences she names as Stravinsky, Bartók and bebop. The score asks for dancers when feasible. It is a separate work from her Bebop Riddle II for cello and piano.

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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