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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Two Songs for Mezzo-Soprano and Cello

by Robert Owens

Instrumentation
Cello, Vocal
Composed
2013
Duration
9'
Publisher
Classical Vocal Reprints
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About this piece

​"Two Songs for Mezzo-Soprano and Cello" sets the poetry of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks. The two pieces, "I am Part of the Load" and "Drum Sound Rises on the Air," explore themes from Rumi's verse through the interplay of mezzo-soprano voice and cello.

Technical overview

Previews of the sheet music are available here: classicalvocalrep.com

Technical focus

  • Collaboration with vocalist
  • Intonation

Level rubric

Early Advanced

Left Hand

  • Fully integrated thumb position; scales/arpeggios on A & D strings.
  • Smooth shifts into/out of thumb position for sustained high notes.
  • Frequent advanced double stops with rapid, coordinated shifts.
  • Accurate ornamentation (trills, turns, grace notes), even in double stops.
  • Expressively adjust intonation for chord balance.
  • Handle fast runs and large leaps precisely.
  • Introduction to false harmonics.

Right Hand

  • Virtuoso bow strokes: controlled up/down‑bow staccato, deliberate ricochet & well‑shaped sautillé.
  • Wide tone palette via precise bow adjustments.
  • Explore advanced effects (col legno, sul ponticello) as needed.
  • Capable of both powerful fortissimo and delicate soft notes.
  • Rapid switching among strokes in cadenzas/virtuosic passages.

Rhythm & Musicality

  • Apply rhythmic freedom & rubato to shape movements and cadenzas.
  • Personal interpretation with nuanced phrasing & subtle dynamics.
  • Mature tone and phrasing for solo and ensemble settings.
  • Demonstrate advanced ensemble leadership with visual cues.

Levels are approximate guides, not strict requirements.

Music

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