Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Bourrée, Op. 24

by William Henry Squire

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Duration
3'44''
Publisher
Carl Fischer (B3435); also in The Squire Cello Solo Collection (Carl Fischer BF47)
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

A fast, high-spirited bourrée for students who are moving into the upper positions. The bright G major outer sections frame a contrasting middle section in G minor.

Technical overview

Molto vivace in G major, with a G minor middle section. It stays in bass clef but climbs to fourth and fifth position on the A string, with marked glissandos, natural harmonics, a sul ponticello passage, quick staccato sixteenths and pizzicato chords.

Technical focus

  • Accidentals
  • Collaboration with Piano
  • Dynamics
  • Glissando
  • Grace Notes
  • Harmonics
  • Pizzicato
  • Shifting
  • Staccato
  • String Crossings
  • Tempo Changes

Level rubric

Intermediate

Left Hand

  • Fluent in positions 1–4 with confident shifts & reliable intonation.
  • Introduce 5th position via scales/études.
  • Learn tenor clef for higher passages.
  • Early exposure to thumb position basics.
  • Refine combined shifting & extensions.
  • Advance double stops (two‑note chords).
  • Refine vibrato for expressive shaping.

Right Hand

  • High control over multiple bow strokes.
  • Advanced spiccato for fast passages; reliable sautillé.
  • Apply martelé at frog and mid‑bow.
  • Execute rapid string crossings with minimal arm movement.
  • Adjust contact point to modulate tone.
  • Introduce complex bow patterns & chord rolling.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Faster tempos & varied meter challenges.
  • Tackle compound meters, intricate ornaments & syncopation.
  • Deepen expressive phrasing; analyze piece structure.
  • Clear dynamic contrasts; introduce slight rubato.
  • Enhance ensemble sensitivity.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

Music

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us