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Prayer

by Michael Schelle

Instrumentation
Cello, Harp, Piano
Composed
2004
Duration
10'
Publisher
SchelleMusic, Inc. (composer)
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About this piece

Prayer (2004) is a piece of about ten minutes for solo cello, originally scored with chamber winds, double bass, piano, harp and percussion; Schelle also made a version for cello with harp and piano. The wind version has been taken up by several university wind ensembles, including Kennesaw State University (2014, with cellist Charae Krueger), Millikin University (2016, with Amy Catron) and the University of Michigan Symphony Band (2018). A 2010 recording of the trio version, with cellist William Grubb, harpist Lauren Finn and the composer at the piano, is on Schelle's SoundCloud.

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.