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Clara

by Violeta Dinescu

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2019
Duration
3'44''
Publisher
Edition Kemel, Niedernhausen (2023), via Noten Roehr
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About this piece

A short solo cello piece of under four minutes, written in 2019 as part of Dinescu's long collaboration with the cellist Katharina Deserno. It marks the bicentenary of Clara Schumann's birth and is also dedicated to Deserno's newborn daughter; according to the album notes, the piece reflects on Clara Schumann's life while acting as a kind of fairy godmother at the baby's cradle, a musical portrait of the stars at the time of the birth. Deserno recorded it on her 2023 album Deserno plays Dinescu, and the score is published by Edition Kemel.

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.