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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Àkweks Katye (The Eagle Flies)

by Dawn Avery

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2024
Duration
9'50''
Publisher
Dawn Avery
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About this piece

Àkweks Katye (The Eagle Flies) is a work for solo cello commissioned by Tippet Rise Art Center in southcentral Montana for a premiere there by cellist Arlen Hlusko. Avery draws on teachings from her Haudenosaunee elders Tawen'tese and Teahen:te, in which àkweks (the eagle, in the Kaniènkéha Mohawk language) is a helper that carries the spirit from the stars at birth, back to the Sky World at death, and delivers prayers carried by the smoke of sacred tobacco. The score is sold on the composer's website.

Technical overview

No technical overview is available yet.

Level rubric

Professional

Left Hand

  • Complete command of the fingerboard.
  • Proficient thumb position across all strings.
  • Execute complex double stops and rapid trills precisely.
  • Fast scales and leaps with precise intonation and speed.
  • Apply expressive techniques (portamenti, micro‑adjusted intonation) tastefully.
  • Easily execute false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Seamlessly blends martelé, spiccato, sautillé, legato & ricochet.
  • Meticulous bow distribution for sustained lines or rapid passages.
  • Clear pianissimo to controlled fortissimo.
  • Economical, efficient bow movement with smooth transitions.
  • Employ advanced effects (ponticello, bow effects) artistically.

Musicality

  • Focus on a deeply personal, communicative performance.
  • Make interpretive choices reflecting deep understanding of form, style & emotion.
  • Convey nuanced phrasing, wide dynamic range & a unique artistic voice.
  • Craft dramatic cadenzas/solos with rubato, tone & expressive timing.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

Music

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