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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Deep River

by Traditional · arranged by Paul Bergeron

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1867
Duration
1'30''
Publisher
Paul Bergeron
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About this piece

A reduced and simplified arrangement of this traditional spiritual for cello and piano.

Technical overview

String crossings, double up bows, sustained notes, optional rubato. All notes can be played in first position.

Technical focus

  • Bow Retakes
  • Detaché
  • D String Notes
  • G String Notes
  • Hairpin Dynamics

Level rubric

Beginner

Left Hand

  • 1st position on all strings with fingers 1–4.
  • Understand whole/half steps
  • No shifting; notes stay in 1st position.
  • Focus on accurate finger placement.

Right Hand

  • Consistent détaché for simple melodies.
  • Extend bow (mid‑bow) on a straight path.
  • Introduce short (2–3 note) slurs.
  • Begin basic string crossings; occasional open‑string double stops.

Bow Strokes

  • Détaché and on‑string staccato.
  • Introduce simple legato (short slurs) and bow retakes.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Simple rhythms with basic subdivisions.
  • Short phrases; limited dynamic contrasts; echo dynamics.
  • Develop a singing, accurate tone.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

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