Alla Polacca is in ternary form. In the outer sections the Polka feel comes from the piano while the bass player needs good co-ordination to navigate the many semiquavers. The middle section benefits from a good cantabile sound.
Originally a study, this makes a very good concert piece.
Scherzo has a ternary fast-slow-fast form. The outer fast sections are ideal for developing the co-ordination required for fast passage work. The middle section is equally good for showing off a developing vibrato and cantabile sound. Range up to G above middle C.
This iconic cello solo needs expressive phrasing, cantabile tone and secure intonation. Good bow control required for long slurs.
This beautiful song from Schwanengesang requires cantabile playing with good bow control and clear tone. The melody contains many triplets which have to be fitted neatly with the continuous quavers in the accompaniment. It uses all positions up to 4th position plus harmonics.
This highly expressive and dramatic piece requires a variety of bow strokes from slow and sustained to fast and energetic. It needs different styles of tone production and vibrato to adapt to the changing moods of the music and musical shaping of phrases. It is essential to every cellist’s repertoire.
