Skip to content

Materials

by Davide Verotta

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2024
Duration
5'
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

Materials is a five-minute piece for unaccompanied cello in three parts: a free-flowing opening, a slow and enigmatic interlude, and a fast finale built on three chords. Davide Verotta wrote it in 2024 as a first exploration of ideas he might use in a larger work for cello, or for string quartet and percussion. Vicky Ehrlich gave the first performance on 20 July 2024 at the Presidio Chapel in San Francisco. The composer posts the score free on IMSLP.

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.