Skip to content
Cello Repertoire Initiative

Madrigal

by Carlos Chávez

Instrumentation
Cello, Piano
Composed
1921
Duration
3'15''
Publisher
G. Schirmer
More by this composer

Purchase or download

About this piece

Carlos Chávez’s Madrigal for cello and piano is a short, distinctive work that explores the tension between dissonance and rhythm. Meditative and spare at the outset, it gradually gathers momentum and intensity, building to an intense climax before cascading back into its opening atmosphere and quiet, unsettling musings.

Technical overview

Heavy use of expressive portato throughout. The cello part remains mostly in the lower five positions, reaching thumb position only briefly at the climax. Notated in bass, tenor, and treble clefs (briefly).

Technical focus

  • Portato
  • Bow Control
  • Dynamics
  • Rubato
  • Articulation
  • Treble Clef

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

Recently AddedThe newest additions

About

Our MissionResource CatalogContributeContact Us