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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cello Concerto No. 2 "Naqoyqatsi"

by Philip Glass

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2012
Duration
33'
Publisher
Dunvagen Music Publishers (Wise Music Classical, hire)
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About this piece

A concerto for cello and orchestra built from Glass's score for Godfrey Reggio's 2002 film Naqoyqatsi, the last part of the Qatsi trilogy. It was commissioned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and first performed on 30 March 2012 by Matt Haimovitz with that orchestra under Dennis Russell Davies. The orchestra has double winds plus piccolo and bass clarinet, full brass, timpani and five percussionists, harp, piano/celesta and strings, and the work lasts about 33 minutes.

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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