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Meditation (in memory of John Lennon)

by Aaron Jay Kernis

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1981
Duration
10'
Publisher
Associated Music Publishers (Wise Music Classical)
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About this piece

Meditation is a single-movement piece for cello and piano, about ten minutes long, written in 1981. On a Phoenix recording by cellist Michael Finckel with the composer at the piano it is subtitled "in memory of John Lennon", and WNYC's New Sounds described it as built around the chord sequence of Lennon's "Imagine". The publisher's sales page describes long, building cello lines played with full bows over a steady piano rhythm.

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.