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Cello Repertoire Initiative

The Strange Highway

by Gity Razaz

Instrumentation
Cello Ensemble
Composed
2011
Duration
10'
Publisher
Jinous Press
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About this piece

The Strange Highway is a ten-minute piece for eight cellos, commissioned by the cellist Richard Aaron for the third Amsterdam Cello Biennale, where the All-American Cello Band gave the premiere. It takes its title and mood from a poem by the Chilean writer Roberto Bolaño: driving, violent outer sections frame a lyrical middle section of dense counterpoint. The live premiere recording opens Razaz's 2022 BIS album of the same name.

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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