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The Imagined Wisdom of Bella Pavis

by Jessica Krash

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2022
Duration
5'
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

An unaccompanied piece of about five minutes that exists for violin, viola or cello. The Johansen International Competition for Young String Players (ages 13–17) commissioned it as the set piece for its 2022 competition in Washington, DC, where all 30 semi-finalists played it. Krash wrote it with her great-great-grandmother in mind; Albany Records' description of her 2026 album True Stories presents it as embodying 'a time-travelling great-great-grandmother'.

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.