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Cello Repertoire Initiative

If You Forget Me...

by Raymond Luedeke

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2006
Duration
22'
Publisher
American Composers Alliance
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About this piece

A four-movement work for cello and piano, about 22 minutes long, written in 2006 for cellist Brian Manker and pianist André Laplante. Its title and movement headings (I shall begin to forget you; I shall be a tiger lying in wait; I shall grieve and gather strength; I shall travel on) come from Pablo Neruda's poem "If You Forget Me"; the composer notes that the music takes its moods from the poem rather than following it as a story. The finale opens with bell-like harmonics and pizzicato over a bright piano part. A version for viola and piano also exists.

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.

Music

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