The Intervening Cellist

Abstract

This project came about after experiencing frustration in the professional classical music industry generally, and in the cello sections of orchestras specifically, about a perceived tension between conventional learned cello technique and the technical expectations of some contemporary music. I have made a start at bridging the gap in knowledge between cellists and composers that creates the tension. I have collaborated with composers over the last few years to create nine new works for solo cello which are all recorded and available to view at the links below. My commentary and set of recordings are intended for composers: they offer a set of practical models for approaching composing for the cello. The information within the commentary aims to provide an insight into what a cellist might think when they see a new piece on the stand in front of them: how they might go about learning it and what difficulties they may encounter. The resulting pieces are for cellists, in the comforting knowledge that they have all been tested and passed as approachable by someone who defines themself as a mainstream freelance cellist. It might even encourage some cellists to commission their own pieces.

Acknowledgements

This project has been funded by the Richard Stapley Foundation, the Royal Academy of Music and a private donor.

Main image by Dan Wiebe.

LINKS

Bio

Amy Jolly is an inquisitive and busy freelance cellist based in Manchester. She is a member of Playdates with violinist Gemma Bass and Bonjour Claude with composer Ellen Sargen. Amy has performed with Psappha, Riot Ensemble and UPROAR and has been involved with CoMA Manchester since its revival in 2020. Amy has appeared as a principal player with BBC Philharmonic, Opera North and Birmingham Royal Ballet. She has spent this season touring Cinderella with Opera North Learning with accordionist Miloš Milivojević playing at venues such as Stoller Hall and Howard Assembly Room. She also enjoys a show appearance: a member of the original UK Mrs Doubtfire band and currently depping on the tour of Hamilton. Amy was a recipient of the Charles Hallé Award and the Dame Gillian Brown Scholarship, and has received support from the Royal Society of Musicians, Britten-Pears Foundation and Help Musicians UK. Amy obtained her BA at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and then studied privately with Valter Dešpalj in Zagreb, before completing an MA at the Royal Academy of Music (with DipRAM), a soloist diploma at Stavanger University in Norway and the String Leadership Diploma at the Royal Northern College of Music. She also holds an RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture.