Scherzo for Solo Cello

A short piece intended for a competition but not submitted because of time and other constraints (at least 4 movements were needed). EDIT: I should mention that all movements had to open with common thematic material. In this piece that material lasts the first 12 seconds.

Lasts 1 minute. I'm told by a pro who looked through it last night that it would need at least a quartet player to perform it.

It should keep any cellist on their toes. 

Edited October 19, 20196 yr by Quinn

It sounds great. Good flow. Perhaps too much reverb?

Thank you for that. Much appreciated.

In fact I think you're right. The reverb needs turning down a shade. I just used my standard setting but it is blurring the notes here and there given the pace. It could also do with a dynamics touch up and reworking a brief passage near the opening to keep the rhythm.

EDIT: A more polished version:

Edited October 20, 20196 yr by Quinn
new version

Yes. This version is "drier" regarding reverb. It allows to focus better on the music itself. It's  a beautiful piece.

It's a really interesting piece. It sounds very difficult to play, but a good showpiece! The quick dynamic changes are really exciting and bring the scherzo mood to it. I love the short pizzicato lines towards the end, but they are quite quick to change back to bowing. The way you tie it up with the plucking is a really nice ending! Well done.

18 hours ago, Luis Hernández said:

Yes. This version is "drier" regarding reverb. It allows to focus better on the music itself. It's  a beautiful piece.

 

 

Thank you for your kind words and prompting me to make the alterations. Glad it sounds less blurry, 

2 hours ago, aMusicComposer said:

It's a really interesting piece. It sounds very difficult to play, but a good showpiece! The quick dynamic changes are really exciting and bring the scherzo mood to it. I love the short pizzicato lines towards the end, but they are quite quick to change back to bowing. The way you tie it up with the plucking is a really nice ending! Well done.

 

Thank you for listening and your comments. Yes, it isn't easy. It could probably be played at a slightly lower tempo, just slightly. The lead cellist of our town orchestra is an ex-professional, an acquaintance, who had a look at it; confirmed it was playable. He noted that there weren't many hazardous string-jumps, made some bow stroke markings that made the swap to and from pizz manageable as he raised your same point. He did me the kindness of showing a few phrases on the instrument but wouldn't attempt the whole piece! I owe him a few beers!

Again, many thanks.