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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Fantasia on Greensleeves

by Ralph Vaughan Williams · arranged by Watson Forbes

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1947
Publisher
Oxford University Press
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About this piece

This is Watson Forbes's arrangement of Vaughan Williams's Fantasia on Greensleeves for cello and piano, published by Oxford University Press. Trinity College London lists it as a Grade 6 cello exam piece. The commercial recording credits the arrangement to R. Greaves and W. Forbes.

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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