Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

The Conqueror

by Aaron Minsky

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2012
Duration
20'
Publisher
Von Cello, Inc.
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

Minsky's first concerto, for cello and full symphony orchestra, composed while Hurricane Sandy hit New York in 2012; its story draws on the life of Genghis Khan. It is laid out as a classical concerto but draws on pentatonic writing, an instrumental imitation of Mongolian throat singing, and passages in Minsky's "celtar" style, where the cello is strummed and played like a guitar, with rock-influenced drive. The composer premiered it with the Staten Island Philharmonic; it lasts about 20 minutes, and a cello-and-piano version is published.

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

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us