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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Songs Without Words: II. Journeys

by Gwyneth Walker

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2009
Publisher
Composer (self-published)
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About this piece

'Journeys' is the second of Gwyneth Walker's two sets of Songs Without Words for cello and piano (2009), intended for more advanced players. Its three movements were prompted by a concert trip to Cape Cod: the composer hears longing and homesickness in 'The Far Coast', a jaunty, syncopated spirit in 'Salty Spray', and undulating, shimmering water in 'Singing Waves'. The first set, 'First Notes', is written for students. The composer offers the score and cello part as free PDFs.

Technical overview

'The Far Coast' (C minor) opens with tremolo at the tip and grows into passages of measured tremolo, double stops, grace notes and triplet figures across the strings. 'Salty Spray' alternates pizzicato and arco, and the set adds treble clef, harmonic glissandi and tapping on the instrument, with accelerandos and rubato (cello part pp. 11–18).

Technical focus

  • Tremolo
  • Double Stops
  • Grace Notes
  • Triplets
  • String Crossings
  • Pizzicato
  • Harmonics
  • Glissando
  • Treble Clef
  • Extended Techniques
  • Rubato
  • Tempo Changes
  • Hairpin Dynamics

Level rubric

Early Advanced

Left Hand

  • Fully integrated thumb position; scales/arpeggios on A & D strings.
  • Smooth shifts into/out of thumb position for sustained high notes.
  • Frequent advanced double stops with rapid, coordinated shifts.
  • Accurate ornamentation (trills, turns, grace notes), even in double stops.
  • Expressively adjust intonation for chord balance.
  • Handle fast runs and large leaps precisely.
  • Introduction to false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Virtuoso bow strokes: controlled up/down‑bow staccato, deliberate ricochet & well‑shaped sautillé.
  • Wide tone palette via precise bow adjustments.
  • Explore advanced effects (col legno, sul ponticello) as needed.
  • Capable of both powerful fortissimo and delicate soft notes.
  • Rapid switching among strokes in cadenzas/virtuosic passages.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Apply rhythmic freedom & rubato to shape movements and cadenzas.
  • Personal interpretation with nuanced phrasing & subtle dynamics.
  • Mature tone and phrasing for solo and ensemble settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced ensemble leadership with visual cues.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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