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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Eliza Aria

by Elena Kats-Chernin

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
2010
Duration
3'30''
Publisher
Bote & Bock
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About this piece

Composed as part of Meryl Tankard’s 2002 ballet Wild Swans at the Sydney Opera House, Eliza Aria introduces Princess Elisa from Andersen’s tale, capturing her innocence, inner goodness, and silent devotion as she weaves nettles to free her bewitched brothers. This brief, spellbinding vocalise became one of Elena Kats-Chernin’s most famous works through a widely circulated YouTube promotional video and now exists in many arrangements for various instruments and ensembles. A duet version for violin and piano is also available.

Technical overview

The piece features very long phrases, lengthy sostenuto passages, and some neck and thumb positions. Phrases are often passed off between instruments demanding precise collaboration between the piano and cello.

Technical focus

  • Expressive shifts
  • Dynamics
  • Sustain
  • Shifting
  • String Crossings

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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