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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Cello Concerto No. 1

by Philip Glass

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2001
Duration
30'
Publisher
Dunvagen Music Publishers (Wise Music Classical, hire)
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About this piece

Glass's first cello concerto was commissioned by William and Rebecca Krueger for Julian Lloyd Webber's 50th birthday. Lloyd Webber gave the premiere on 21 October 2001 at the Beijing Music Festival with the China Philharmonic Orchestra under Yu Long. It is scored for an orchestra with double winds plus piccolo, E-flat and bass clarinets, brass, percussion, celesta and strings, and lasts about 30 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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