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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Seven Poems of Stillness

by Hilary Tann

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2013
Duration
16'
Publisher
Oxford University Press
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About this piece

A continuous cycle of seven meditations for unaccompanied cello, with an optional narrator reading seven poems by the Welsh poet R. S. Thomas between and over the movements: about 16 minutes without the readings and 24 with them. Hilary Tann wrote it at the request of Rhian Davies, artistic director of the Gŵyl Gregynog Festival, to whom it is dedicated. The fourth movement quotes fragments of the Welsh hymn tune Llef. Guy Johnston recorded it for Tŷ Cerdd (TCR011, 2014) alongside archive recordings of Thomas reading his own poems.

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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