Skip to content

Concerto for Cello and Orchestra

by Bruce Wolosoff

Instrumentation
Cello, Orchestra
Composed
2015
Duration
21'28''
Publisher
Bruce Wolosoff Music (ASCAP), distributed by Subito Music (piano reduction for sale; orchestral parts on rental)
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

A three-movement concerto (Introduction - Allegro, Maestoso, Allegro) written for Sara Sant'Ambrogio, who had suggested it after Wolosoff composed The Loom for her Eroica Trio. The orchestra is classical in size (double winds, two horns, two trumpets, two trombones, timpani, strings) plus one percussionist. Sant'Ambrogio recorded it with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Grzegorz Nowak in London in July 2018; the album, which also includes the Elgar concerto, was released in 2019 and reached the Billboard classical top ten.

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.