Skip to content

Two Pieces for Cello and Piano

by Michael Hersch

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2009
Duration
12'
Publisher
21C Music Publishing / Michael Hersch Music
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

A pair of pieces for cello and piano lasting about 12 minutes. They were premiered on 11 November 2010 at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., by cellist Daniel Gaisford, a long-time Hersch collaborator who also premiered and recorded both of his unaccompanied cello sonatas, with the composer at the piano.

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.