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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Mythic Gardens

by Howard Shore

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2012
Duration
20'
Publisher
Schott Music (hire library)
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About this piece

Mythic Gardens is Howard Shore's concerto for cello and orchestra, commissioned by the American Symphony Orchestra for cellist Sophie Shao. Its three movements take their names and inspiration from three Italian gardens: Cimbrone (Moderato), Medici (Largo) and Visconti Borromeo Litta (Presto). Shao premiered it with the American Symphony Orchestra under Leon Botstein at Bard College's Fisher Center on 27–28 April 2012. It is a companion piece to Shore's piano concerto Ruin & Memory, and the two were released together on the album Two Concerti (Sony Classical, 2017).

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.

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