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Cello Repertoire Initiative

West Side Story: Instrumental Solos for Cello and Piano

by Leonard Bernstein · arranged by Joshua Parman and Joel Boyd

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Publisher
Boosey & Hawkes
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About this piece

This Boosey & Hawkes book has ten songs from Bernstein's West Side Story arranged for cello and piano by Joshua Parman and Joel Boyd: Jet Song, Something's Coming, Mambo, Maria, Tonight, America, Cool, One Hand One Heart, I Feel Pretty and Somewhere. The publisher calls it 'Intermediate to Advanced Level' and says the arrangements are 'faithful to Bernstein's score'. Trinity College London sets four of the pieces for its Grade 5 to 7 cello exams, and the book includes a CD of piano accompaniments.

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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