The Chengdu Hibiscus
- Instrumentation
- Cello, Piano
- Duration
- 1'40''
- Publisher
- ABRSM (Cello Exam Pieces from 2024, Grade 4, List B no. 1; (c) 2023 ABRSM, AB 4107); also sold as a single digital download
Purchase or download
About this piece
Shanti Jayasinha is a London trumpeter, cellist and composer who trained at the Guildhall School and has played jazz, soul, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music, including with Grand Union Orchestra since 1987. ABRSM published The Chengdu Hibiscus in 2023 for Grade 4 of its cello syllabus. In the composer's note, Jayasinha explains that Chengdu is known as the city of hibiscus, a flower standing for glory, riches and splendour, and that the music depicts a stately royal procession that ends in a battle scene. A majestic, legato D major tune with dotted figures and grace notes slows to a quiet slentando, then a fast section drives on open-string double stops and accented melody to a fortissimo close.
Technical overview
D major, 4/4, in two sections: Majestic (quarter note = c.60) and Fast (quarter note = c.160). The slow half moves from the low C string up to fourth position on the A string with extensions, dotted rhythms, grace notes, a natural harmonic and long hairpins; the fast half alternates a repeated D with open D and A double stops at fortissimo, then turns to accented eighth notes and an up-bow figure before a final double stop.
Technical focus
- Bow Control
- C String Notes
- Dotted Rhythms
- Dynamics
- Extensions
- G String Notes
- Glissando
- Hairpin Dynamics
- Harmonics
- Legato
- Marcato
- Shifting
- Staccato
- String Crossings
- Tempo Changes