HAYDN – Serenade – SIX CELLOS (or FOUR CELLOS)

Other Identification:

General Notes:
This delightful piece by Haydn has never previously been arranged for an ensemble of cellos as far as I am aware. In keeping with the ideals of THE BOULDER CELLO PROJECT I have tried to make this concert piece as versatile as possible. Ideally, when played by six cellos (or more) the luscious cello sound will be heard at its best, but it is also feasible to be played with just four voices in a more ‘classical’ setting – cello parts 3 and 4 are optional, but I feel they should be included if player numbers allow.
The cellists playing parts 1 and 2 need to be able to fluently read the cello tenor clef, though the registers are not excessively high and thumb position is used very sparingly. A few fingerings are suggested, but any sensible fingering will suffice! The first two cellists share the main melodic material, in which they shine alternately. These melodies should always sound to the forefront.
Cellists playing 3 and 4 are the intermediate parts, and their inclusion certainly gives the work a more ‘symphonic’ feel. These are basically extra lines of Johnstone which weave in and out of the main melodies, often commenting and answering the melodic phrases of the first two parts. But careful – however rich they might be, they should not be so expressive as to have to engage the first two cellos to tonally force out the main melodies on top!
Cellists 5 and 6 play in first position only, but their role is absolutely fundamental to the harmonic understanding of the whole piece. Cellist 6 has the easier of the parts; straight first position, whereas the cello 5 has to cover both forward and backward extensions within the first position. But their rhythmic simplicity means they can be attempted by beginners with little group or orchestral experience.