Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Thin Air

by Calliope Tsoupaki

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2020
Duration
6'30''
Publisher
Stichting Donemus Beheer, Rijswijk
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

The piece for solo cello expresses solidarity experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dedicated to the memory of Paul Tortelier, the piece embodies themes of connection and compassion.

Technical overview

Brief moments of challenging double stops. A thumb position D string notes are played over an open drone G string. 1 measure of low-position octaves. is A preview of the score is available here: webshop.donemus.com

Technical focus

  • Rhythm
  • String Crossings
  • High position double stops with open strings
  • Octaves
  • D String Notes

Level rubric

Advanced

Left Hand

  • Unrestricted fingerboard operation.
  • Effortless high‑register passages with thumb position.
  • Execute large leaps, rapid shifts & fast runs with precise intonation.
  • Render double stops with clarity and even vibrato.
  • Crisp, stylistically appropriate ornamentation (trills, turns, mordents).
  • Instinctive micro‑adjustments in intonation for expressiveness.
  • False harmonics in low positions

Right Hand

  • Complete command of all bow strokes at any tempo/dynamic.
  • Comfortable execution of virtuoso passages (sautillé, intricate ricochet).
  • Tone projection from whisper‑quiet to fortissimo.
  • Integrate advanced bow patterns with expressive phrasing.
  • Demonstrate technical precision with a broad dynamic range.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Interpret large‑scale structures with nuanced pacing and rhythmic freedom.
  • Highly refined phrasing with subtle note grouping & expressive rubato.
  • Convey emotional depth and stylistic authenticity.
  • Incorporate personal interpretive choices while meeting stylistic demands.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

Music

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us