THE “OTHER” EXCERPTS — A GUIDE TO COMMONLY PROGRAMMED BUT UNCOMMONLY ASKED-FOR CELLO EXCERPTS

Abstract

This paper aims to assist cellists taking orchestral auditions by providing a detailed analysis of how to approach orchestral excerpts that, while standard, are not as commonly encountered in audition settings. The excerpts are Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (II. Molto vivace and IV. Presto); Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn (Variation V. Vivace); Mahler: Symphony No. 2 (I. Allegro maestoso); Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 (I. Moderato–Allegro non troppo); and lastly Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra (V. Finale). Each excerpt is organized into individual chapters containing comments and suggestions on basic technical and musical performance challenges. I provide detailed and structured advice for practicing the above excerpts, offer advice on musical refinement, and address alternative musical interpretations based on recordings sampled. This provides a framework for the practice of aspiring orchestral cellists. Forming good practice habits and developing a personalized practice routine when facing new excerpts (or other music) is crucial to orchestral audition preparation, and my goal is to provide cellists with the tools necessary to do this.