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. 

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:

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.