Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

It's a Cello Thing Vol. 2

by Ailbhe McDonagh

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2012
Publisher
Boosey & Hawkes
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

14 short cello pieces for intermediate cellists. The composer has recorded reference recordings for all pieces. For a full list of Ailbhe McDonagh's cello works, visit ailbhemcdonagh.com

Technical overview

Taking off from volume 1, each piece addresses different right-hand and left-hand techniques. The pieces gradually get more challenging throughout the book. Please review McDonagh's reference recordings for full technical analysis. Pieces can be purchased individually from the composer's website: ailbhemcdonagh.com

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