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Cello Repertoire Initiative

When Music Sounds

by Jean Coulthard

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1970
Duration
4'
Publisher
Canadian Music Centre
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About this piece

Coulthard, a prominent figure in 20th-century Canadian music, was known for her lyrical and impressionistic style. This piece exemplifies her ability to blend expressive melodies with contemporary harmonies, creating a rich and evocative musical landscape.

Technical overview

Syncopated rhythms against the piano, positions up to 4th, producing good tone with mute, some double stops

Technical focus

  • Rhythm
  • Mute usage
  • Expressive shifts

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.

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