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Cello Repertoire Initiative

Elegy for Al

by Philip Carlsen

Instrumentation
Cello
Composed
2020
Duration
4'20''
Publisher
American Composers Alliance Inc.
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About this piece

From the composer, Philip Carlsen: "A piece in memory of my friend Alfred Bersbach, physicist, engineer, technology expert, peace activist, dedicated student of Russian culture and language, and a fine cellist."

Technical overview

This reflective work is anchored by sustained bordone drones, with intricate melodies woven throughout. It requires refined bow control to maintain an even, resonant tone while balancing careful chordal voicings in three- and four-note chords.

Technical focus

  • Bordone
  • Double Stops
  • Sustain
  • Intonation

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.

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