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The Heart and the Hand

by Adam Silverman

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2009
Duration
9'
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

The Heart and the Hand is a nine-minute work for cello and piano in two movements, 'Listening to the Moonlight' and 'My Golden Apple'. Cellist Amy Sue Barston, the composer's wife, gave the premiere with pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute at Trail Mix Concerts in Woodstock, New York, on 13 December 2009. Barston recorded it with pianist Evan Solomon on her album Memories and Souvenirs (Calabaza Records, 2010).

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.