Teaching Cello
  • Home
  • Teaching Cello: The Steps
    • Step One: Cello First Position >
      • Methods for Beginning Cello Students
      • Exercises for Beginning Cello Students
      • Etudes for Beginning Cello Students
      • Duets for Beginning Cello Students
      • Repertoire for Beginning Students
      • Lesson Material for Very Young Beginners
    • Step Two: Building Early-Intermediate Cello Skills >
      • Methods and Exercises for Teaching Shifting
      • Etudes for Teaching Shifting
      • Duets for Teaching Shifting
      • Repertoire for Early-Intermediate Students
    • Step Three: Building Late-Intermediate Skills >
      • Methods and Exercises for Intermediate Cello Skills
      • Etudes for Late-Intermediate Cello Skills
      • Duets for Intermediate Cello Skills
      • Repertoire for Late-Intermediate Skills
    • Step Four: Starting Cello Thumb Position >
      • Exercises for Early-Advanced Cello Skills
      • Duets for Early-Advanced Students
      • Repertoire for Early-Advanced Students
    • Cello Sight-reading
    • Cello Alternative Styles
    • A Practical Guide to Bach Cello Suite Editions
  • Planning Cello Lessons
    • Organizing a cello lesson
    • What do Cello Students Need? >
      • What Beginning Cello Students Need
      • What Intermediate Cello Students Need
      • What Advanced Cello Students Need
  • Cello links and resources
    • Cello teaching supplies
  • Contact/Blog
    • Contact
    • Cello Teaching Blog

Repertoire for Learning to Use Thumb Position

Note: while the thumb can be used anywhere, I prefer teaching thumb position starting on the mid-string harmonic. This doesn't put too much stress on the student's thumb and is easy to find. Starting at page 11 of Thumb Position for the Cello, Book One, the student is taught to use the thumb in a different place. These first pieces use a lot of thumb position on the mid-string harmonic but if they don't, they still use it in a logical, organized way. 
Duport Sonata
This piece is incredible. This is the first piece that most of my students play that has thumb position in it. I have used it with countless students, as soon as they've learned the notes on the A and D strings using thumb position that starts on the mid-string harmonic. 

However, it turns out that my very favorite piece for teaching thumb position is an old Russian edition that's completely unavailable to purchase here. Check out the file in this Russian library: Duport Sonata

​
Note: to download music from the RSL, set up an account here:  https://passport.rsl.ru/register/form. Then, click the green down arrow (download button) at the top of the page of music and put your username (email) and password in. When the little box comes up, click the white button on the right (not the green button) and the file will download automatically.

Breval Concerto II

One of the best teaching pieces for thumb position ever written. I know it's expensive; it's worth it. When your students are finished with this piece, they'll have a remarkable facility and thumb technique (along with proper supporting thumb position exercises). Three movements to better playing!
Cover tiny file look inside Concerto No. 2 en Re maj. Composed by Jean-Baptiste Breval. Classical. Score. 12 + 6 pages. Edition Delrieu #DF516. Published by Edition Delrieu (LM.DF516).

Breval Concerto I

More good thumb position work from Breval; this concerto is slightly more difficult than Concerto No. 2.
Cover tiny file look inside Concerto No. 1 en Sol maj. Composed by Jean-Baptiste Breval. Classical. Score. 12 + 5 pages. Edition Delrieu #DF458. Published by Edition Delrieu (LM.DF458).

Duport Sonate I

Another great thumb position piece! This sonata, in G major, is only slightly more rhythmically challenging than the Breval Concertos but is at a similar level in thumb position.
Cover tiny file look inside Sonate No. 1 Composed by Jean-Louis Duport. Classical. Score. 11 + 5 pages. Edition Delrieu #DF452. Published by Edition Delrieu (LM.DF452).

Vandini Sonatas

I love the Vandini Sonatas for their use of basic thumb position. I always start with the G major sonata; the F major is more difficult. 
Sonatas in F Major and G Major Sonatas in F Major and G Major (Cello and Piano). By Antonio Vandini. Cello-Bibliothek (Cello Library). 13 pages. Schott Music #CB48. Published by Schott Music (HL.49001542)

...more info


Popper Gavotte

Not too difficult at all, especially for Popper! This Gavotte has thumb position and a really fun, ingenious set of high natural harmonics that students love to master. This piece sounds more challenging than it actually is.
Gavotte No. 2, Op. 23 look inside Gavotte No. 2, Op. 23 By David Popper (1843-1913). Edited by Leonard Rose. For cello and piano. Published by International Music Company (IM.1607)

...more info


Mozart Sonata

Really charming sonata that isn't too difficult! Great for musical students.
Cover tiny file look inside Violin Sonata in G major, K. 301 [Cello] - (DEPALJ-VALDMA) Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). Edited by Valter Despalj / Valdma. Published by International Music Company (IM.3320).

Telemann Sonata

The Telemann Sonata in D major is basically a late-intermediate piece with a tiny bit of thumb position in the last movement.
Cover tiny file look inside Sonata in D major Composed by Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767). Edited by Upmeyer / Nathan Stutch. Published by International Music Company (IM.1141).

Free Repertoire for Beginning Thumb Position

Nolck Amoroso

Other Repertoire for Early-Advanced Cello Students

Repertoire at this level can include basic thumb position, tenor and treble clef, and extensive shifting. 

Early-Advanced Cello Solo Books

These compilations each focus on a different aspect of cello repertoire. While some students happily work through compilations, others prefer to only work on a single large piece (concerto or sonata). Either choice is fine, and the student's own input can help you determine which repertoire to choose.
​

Some pieces function solely as teaching pieces and if the student does not sound good playing them, they should never be performed. The best pieces for performance are both well-liked by the student and flattering to their style of playing.

Vaughan Williams Folksong Studies

Beautiful little pieces that certain students just love. They are melodic and generally not too hard although each one has one little section that is much harder than the other measures. That's why they're in "early advanced" and not "late-intermediate".
Cover tiny file look inside Six Studies in English Folksong Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). 20th Century and British. Score and set of solo parts. 20 pages. Published by Galaxy Music Corporation (EC.1.5124).

Beethoven Classic Pieces

This is a charming book of cello and piano works by Beethoven. Occasional use of thumb position and treble clef makes this appropriate for early-advanced students.
Cover tiny file look inside Classic Pieces, Book 3 Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Score & part. Published by LudwigMasters Publications (MT.M1656-SET).

Luigi Silva's Transcriptions

Classics of the Cello is a set of transcriptions by Ettore Bonelli and Luigi Silva on 18th-century Italian pieces. Luigi Silva was my teacher's teacher, and I always had access to his wonderful transcriptions. Now, the Borghi Adagio, the Nardini Adagio, an anonymous Allegretto Grazioso, the Somis Allegretto, the Tartini Andante Affetuoso, an anonymous Andante, the fabulous Giardini Rondo, and the Pugnani Adagio are available for intermediate and advanced-level cellists.
Cover tiny file look inside Classics of the Cello Composed by Various. Score & part. Published by Masters Music Publications Inc. (MT.M2042-SET).

Early-Advanced Cello Short Pieces

Flamenco by Huguet y Tagell

Short (2-page) piece for solo cello that's tons of fun and showy without being very hard at all! Lots of pizzicato and one harmonic-plus-notes arpeggio run up the A string (that's the only reason it's not late-intermediate level) that could be easily taught by rote.
Cover tiny file look inside Flamenco From Suite espagnole No. 1. Composed by Rogelio Huguet y Tagell. Edited by Maria Kliegel. This edition: Saddle stitching. Sheet music. Cello Library. Classical. Softcover. 221. 4 pages. Duration 2' 55''. Schott Music #CB 221. Published by Schott Music (HL.49018251).

Van Goens' Tarantelle

Tarantelle, Op. 24 Tarantelle, Op. 24 (Cello and Piano). By Daniel Van Goens. Arranged by Arpad Pejtsik. This edition: Z13595. EMB. 8 pages. Published by Editio Musica Budapest (HL.50510701)

...more info


Haydn Divertimento

Divertimento look inside Divertimento By Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). Edited by Henri Elkan, Gregor Piatigorsky. For Viola Solo and Piano accompaniment. Classical. Score and part(s). Standard notation. 8 pages. Published by Theodore Presser Company (PR.164000130)

...more info


Bruch Kol Nidrei

This famous mournful lament is perfect for the cello. 
Kol Nidrei, Op. 47 look inside Kol Nidrei, Op. 47 By Max Bruch (1838-1920). Edited by Leonard Rose. For cello and piano. Published by International Music Company (IM.1682)

...more info


Rameau Surprises De L'Amour

5 movements by Rameau, Transcribed by Maurice Marechal. As usual, with these Delrieu editions, the teaching is organized, deliberate, and superb.
Surprises De L'Amour Surprises De L'Amour By Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764). For cello and piano. Classical. Score. Published by Edition Delrieu (LM.GD788)

...more info


Caix D'Hervelois Suite No. 2

Suite, No. 2 Suite, No. 2 By Louis Caix D'Hervelois. For cello and piano. Classical. Score. 13 + 7 pages. Published by Edition Delrieu (LM.DF414)

...more info


Granados Playera

Playera Op. 5, No. 5 look inside Playera Op. 5, No. 5 (Cello and Piano). By Enrique Granados (1867-1916). For Cello, Piano. Score and part(s). Standard notation. Opus 5, Number 5. 9 pages. Published by Carl Fischer (CF.B2143)

...more info


Senaille Allegro Spiritoso

Repetitive and full of predictable patterns; the perfect teaching piece. Some students love it and some hate it. If they love it, they can perform it; if they hate it, they should be inspired to practice harder and finish it sooner!
Cover tiny file look inside Allegro Spiritoso Composed by Jean Baptiste Senaill! Edited by Salmon. Published by International Music Company (IM.773).

Klengel Concertpiece

A wonderful early-advanced piece that gives students a lot to sink their teeth into. Incorporating many different techniques and styles, the piece is challenging but not impossible. 
Cover tiny file look inside Concertpiece in D minor, Opus 10 Composed by Julius Klengel (1859-1933). Edited by Leonard Rose. Published by International Music Company (IM.549).

Dvoark Indian Lament

Cover tiny file look inside Indian Lament in G minor Composed by Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904). Edited by Gaspar Cassado. Published by International Music Company (IM.925).

Marais Suite No. 3

Cover tiny file look inside Suite No. 3 Composed by Marin Marais (1656-1728). Classical. Score. 16 + 8 pages. Edition Delrieu #DF490. Published by Edition Delrieu (LM.DF490).

Paganini Moto Perpetuo

Cover tiny file look inside Moto Perpetuo, Opus 11 bis Composed by Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840). Edited by Leonard Rose. Published by International Music Company (IM.491).

Free Early-Advanced Pieces

Dunkler Caprice Hongrois
Mohr Fantaisie Tzigane
Haydn-Ruyssen Divertissement in D

Early-Advanced Cello Sonatas

Eccles Sonata

This sonata spans both late-intermediate and early-advanced levels but the last movement pretty much pushes it into early-advanced. Still easier than many of the sonatas in this section.
Cover tiny file look inside Sonata in G minor Composed by Henry Eccles (1671-1742). Edited by Moffat. Baroque. Instrumental solo book. With solo part and piano accompaniment. 12 pages. Published by International Music Company (IM.770).

Schubert Sonatina

Cover tiny file look inside Sonatina Op. 137, No. 1 Cello and Piano. Composed by Franz Schubert (1797-1828). Peermusic Classical. Classical. Softcover. 30 pages. Peermusic #61222-624. Published by Peermusic (HL.228222).

Handel Sonata in F major

Cover tiny file look inside Sonata in F major Composed by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759). Edited by Cahnbley. Published by International Music Company (IM.3054).

Brahms Sonata in E minor

Cover tiny file look inside Violoncello Sonata in E minor, Op. 38 Cello and Piano. Composed by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). Edited by Claus Kanngiesser, Egon Voss, Johannes Behr, Klaus Schilde. Henle Music Folios. Classical. Paperbound. G. Henle #HN1134. Published by G. Henle (HL.51481134).

Guerini Cello Sonata

The Guerini Cello Sonata has easy thumb position throughout.

Cello part

Piano part


Corelli Sonata in D minor

Cover tiny file look inside Sonata in D minor, Op. 5 No. 8 Composed by Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713). Edited by Lindner. Published by International Music Company (IM.662).

Mozart Sonatina in C major

Cover tiny file look inside Sonatina in C Major Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). Edited by Gregor Piatigorsky. Solo part with piano reduction. With Standard notation. 10 pages. Theodore Presser Company #164-00015. Published by Theodore Presser Company (PR.164000150).

Blainville Sonate Ancienne

Sonate Ancienne Sonate Ancienne By Charles-Henri De Blainville. For cello and piano. Classical. Score. Published by Edition Delrieu (LM.DF475)

...more info


Boccherini  Sonata in C major

Cover tiny file look inside Sonate en Ut Majeur Composed by Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805). Classical. Score. 16 + 6 pages. Edition Delrieu #DF388. Published by Edition Delrieu (LM.DF388).

Tessarini Sonata in F major

Cover tiny file look inside Sonata in F for Cello and Piano Composed by Carlo Tessarini. Arranged by Jeffrey Solow. Ultimate Recital Series. Set of parts. Published by Latham Music Enterprises (LA.730521).

Bach Three Sonatas

Cover tiny file look inside Three Sonatas For Cello And Piano According to BWV 1027-1029. Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Edited by Hans Eppstein. This edition: urtext edition. Stapled. Barenreiter Urtext. According to BWV 1027-1029. Baroque. Set of performance parts (includes separate pull-out cello part). With solo part, piano accompaniment and introductory text. BWV 1027-1029. 71 pages. Baerenreiter Verlag #BA05210. Published by Baerenreiter Verlag (BA.BA05210).

Sammartini Sonata

Cover tiny file look inside Sonata G Major Violoncello and Piano. Composed by Giovanni Battista Sammartini (1700-1775). Arranged by Alfred Moffat. This edition: Saddle stitching. Sheet music. Cello-Bibliothek (Cello Library). Classical. 55. 16 pages. Schott Music #CB 55. Published by Schott Music (HL.49001546).

Early-Advanced Cello Concertos

Monn Concerto

Fabulous early-advanced concerto that students tend to love. 
Cover tiny file look inside Konzert fur Violoncello oder Kontrabass (Concerto for Cello or Bass) in G Minor Composed by Georg Matthias Monn (1717-1750). Edited by Oliver Nagy. Baroque. Instrumental solo book. With solo part, standard notation, bowings, fingerings and piano accompaniment. 36 pages. Edition Kunzelmann #GM140. Published by Edition Kunzelmann (PE.GM140).

Romberg Concertino

Somewhat rhythmically complicated, this piece is better for older players.
Cover tiny file look inside Concertino in D minor, Opus 51 Composed by Bernhard Romberg. Edited by Leonard Rose. Published by International Music Company (IM.1875).

Von Dohnanyi Concertpiece

Cover tiny file look inside Concertpiece in D major, Opus 12 Composed by Ernst Von Dohnanyi (1877-1960). Published by International Music Company (IM.434).

Raff Concerto - Free

The Raff Cello Concerto No. 1 is a good student concerto, well above the level of the two Breval Concertos listed to the left, but still below a late-advanced level.
Here is a CD of the concerto:
Cover tiny file look inside Cello Concertos No. 1 & 2 Beg By Muller-Schott; Kulek; Stadlmair; Bamberger Symphoniker. By Joseph Joachim Raff (1822-1882). Listening CD. Published by Tudor (NX.T7121).

​Duport Concerto - Free

This Duport Cello Concerto is quite difficult, but without the octaves and double-stop thirds often found in concertos of this type.

Teaching Cello

Repertoire and advice for cello teachers.



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  • Home
  • Teaching Cello: The Steps
    • Step One: Cello First Position >
      • Methods for Beginning Cello Students
      • Exercises for Beginning Cello Students
      • Etudes for Beginning Cello Students
      • Duets for Beginning Cello Students
      • Repertoire for Beginning Students
      • Lesson Material for Very Young Beginners
    • Step Two: Building Early-Intermediate Cello Skills >
      • Methods and Exercises for Teaching Shifting
      • Etudes for Teaching Shifting
      • Duets for Teaching Shifting
      • Repertoire for Early-Intermediate Students
    • Step Three: Building Late-Intermediate Skills >
      • Methods and Exercises for Intermediate Cello Skills
      • Etudes for Late-Intermediate Cello Skills
      • Duets for Intermediate Cello Skills
      • Repertoire for Late-Intermediate Skills
    • Step Four: Starting Cello Thumb Position >
      • Exercises for Early-Advanced Cello Skills
      • Duets for Early-Advanced Students
      • Repertoire for Early-Advanced Students
    • Cello Sight-reading
    • Cello Alternative Styles
    • A Practical Guide to Bach Cello Suite Editions
  • Planning Cello Lessons
    • Organizing a cello lesson
    • What do Cello Students Need? >
      • What Beginning Cello Students Need
      • What Intermediate Cello Students Need
      • What Advanced Cello Students Need
  • Cello links and resources
    • Cello teaching supplies
  • Contact/Blog
    • Contact
    • Cello Teaching Blog