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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Breaking Bread (version for cello)

by Nkeiru Okoye

Instrumentation
Cello
Duration
6'
Publisher
Theodore Presser Company (114-42404)
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About this piece

Breaking Bread is a six-minute unaccompanied work built on the African American spiritual 'Let Us Break Bread Together'. In the manner of Bach's contrapuntal writing for solo violin, it builds toward a full, powerful statement of the tune. Okoye wrote it first for solo viola, then transcribed it for violin and for cello; the cello version is dedicated to Matt Haimovitz, who recorded it on PRIMAVERA IV: the heart (2023).

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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