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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Flop Turn River

by Adam Silverman

Instrumentation
Cello Ensemble
Composed
2013
Duration
2'
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

Flop Turn River is a two-minute piece for four-part cello choir by Adam B. Silverman, written so that players of very different levels can perform together: the composer grades its parts from Suzuki Book 1 up to Books 8 and beyond. Its title takes the names of the last three community-card rounds in Texas hold 'em poker. The cellists of the Music Institute of Chicago gave the premiere in May 2013, and it has since been played at Suzuki institutes, the Suzuki Association of the Americas conference and cello festivals. A version for mixed-level string orchestra is also available.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Late Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Master positions up to 7th.
  • Use 5th–7th positions for high notes; early thumb position basics.
  • Learn treble clef for 4th, 5th, 6th positions.
  • Practice complex shifting with guide‑finger techniques.
  • Manage upper extensions; play double stops (thirds, fourths, sixths) with consistency.
  • Use continuous, selectively applied vibrato.

Right Hand

  • Develop advanced bow strokes: deliberate ricochet & controlled up‑bow staccato.
  • Execute quick string crossings & precise chord articulations.
  • Achieve wide dynamic range while maintaining tone.
  • Seamless transitions between spiccato and legato.
  • Execute multiple stops/chord rolls rapidly.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Increased complexity: fast passages, intricate syncopation.
  • Detailed phrasing & structure; shape long phrases with rubato.
  • Combine expressive dynamics, vibrato & precise bowing techniques.
  • Further refine ensemble sensitivity & leadership.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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