Joanna Borrett

Classical folk cello music by Joanna Borrett Folk and Beyond is an unmissable album of 12 new cello and piano pieces that combine the ease and spontaneity of folk music with the passion of the classical world. In this eclectic and accessible collection, re-imaginings of well-loved folk tunes sit next to characterful pieces with a strong sense of narrative. Stamping, tapping, ponticello, col legno, snap pizz, tremolo bowing, natural harmonics and glissandi aim to create a sense of fun, bring ideas to life and enhance direct expression. The music would suit cellists from around Grade 5 upwards and is ideal for concerts or encores. Recordings of all of the music can be heard via the 'Resources' tab. Folk and Beyond piece Lilliburlero played in a recital by professional cellist David Burrowes:     Review - Music Teacher, Dec '22 - Click here

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A Narrative Piece for Cello & Piano by Joanna Borrett This book of ten short narrative-based movements for cello and piano tells the tale of an ancient indigenous Scottish clan. Through a rich and vibrant musical journey, players will experience a variety of sounds and emotions as they follow the clan's story. A unique and moving composition, this book will transport you to a world of ancient beauty and tradition. Suitable for Grade 4-5 level players and above, it uses many easy specialist effects, such as specialist pizz, col legno, ponticello, tapping, and singing, to enhance the drama of the work. With stunning original music and an engaging narrative, this cello and piano book is the perfect way to connect with the spirit of Scotland. Clan has been well-received by critics, with the string orchestra recording of Clan chosen as Album of the Weekend by Scala Radio, and Video of the Day at Gramophone. The third movement was recently played on Jools Holland’s Radio 3 programme ‘Earlier’ “Ravishingly beautiful music” - Paul Carr, Composer“Joanna Borrett’s Clan is an authentic journey with warm melodies that makes you feel part of a story which is sometimes peaceful and sometimes projects intense emotions. A true work of art. " - Eduardo Cruz, end sessions.com “The music plays out like a ballet suite, a wistful introduction leading to a pithy, catchy reel lasting barely a minute and a euphonious celebration of unity, 'Us'. Borrett’s language is tonal and accessible, the string writing alluding to a very English tradition. Think Holst or Warlock, in a good way. Borrett’s concision is striking, with much incident packed into movements which rarely exceed three minutes; Clan lasts just over 19 minutes but feels much bigger. 'Betrayal' and “Armour and Battlefield” take us into impressively astringent territory,  and a final 'Chant' has wordless vocals before a solemn, downbeat close.“ - Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk, March, 2024. “Clan forges a strong connection between folk and classical music and the stories come to thrilling life with such passion, beauty and feeling.” - Simon Godley, God is in the TV, April, 2024. YouTube: First Movement One MorningYouTube: Second Movement Reel You can download MP3 tracks of each song in the 'Resources' tab.

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Embark on a musical adventure with Wild Cello, a captivating collection of 14 original Celtic-inspired tunes specially composed for beginner cellists of all ages. Building on her previous works - Clan, a narrative piece for cello and piano, and Folk & Beyond, an collection of traditional folk songs and original compositions - Joanna Borrett brings the spirit of traditional folk music to life with melodies that are both accessible and expressive. Designed to help early-stage players build confidence and technique, these enchanting tunes will transport you to misty highlands, rolling green hills, and the heart of a Celtic celebration. Wild Cello includes full piano accompaniments, free downloadable backing tracks to enliven your practice sessions, and sample tracks to guide your interpretation. Let your cello sing with the wild beauty of Celtic music! Pedagogical Value: The collection of 14 original Celtic-inspired pieces is designed to build confidence and technique in early-stage players, making it an excellent resource for educators seeking engaging teaching material. Comprehensive Learning Tools: The inclusion of full piano accompaniments, free downloadable backing tracks, and sample recordings supports a holistic learning experience, facilitating both practice and performance. Author's Proven Expertise: Joanna Borrett's previous works, such as Clan and Folk & Beyond, have been well-received in the music community, underscoring her credibility and experience in composing for string instruments. Alignment with Examination Standards: Borrett's compositions have been featured in syllabi like ABRSM's, indicating that her pieces meet recognised educational standards, which is beneficial for teachers preparing students for graded exams. Sample tracks are available to listen to HERE When asked to review this new book of fourteen Celtic cello tunes by Joanna Borrett I suspected that the interests and needs of the beginner cellist would be in good hands. The composer is a cellist and the writing sits well in the lower positions with plenty of opportunities to use different fingerings and positions for the more seasoned cellist.  There is also due consideration given to the expressive and playable piano writing for the teacher who, like myself, may not be an accomplished pianist. Techniques are explored to expand the sound world from open strings and the lower positions. 'Rocking' is played entirely with natural harmonics in third position, 'Travelling by Wolf Light' asks for a speedy transition from first position to tapping the cello - in the interests of cellos not getting bashed I might have liked a bar to transition to this - 'Improvise' invites the cellist to play their very own theme in G major using Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as the base rhythm, a great opportunity to stimulate and encourage musical imagination. Several of the tunes have characterful melodies that scamper around, excellent for keeping an even tone with all the string crossings, while needing to be super rhythmic. 'Revelry' is straight out of a ceilidh party and is suitably infectious. 'Lorn' (Andante lacrimoso) invites the musician to be expressive and to leave the confines of first position. 'Howl' and 'Valour', both have opportunities for the older player to explore their mature expressive side, and 'The Rebel' has dark, furious undertones introduced with wild pizzicato. This is a valuable new compendium of Celtic melodies for Wild Cellists in any age group, easily sitting within Grades 2 to 4, supported with simple and interesting piano accompaniments for both teacher and parent to also enjoy. Sue Dorey, Arco magazine Specifications Size: 305x230x3mmWeight: 140gPage count: 28Format: Paperback BookPublished: 2025ISBN: 9-781838-582197ISMN: 9-790708-210528

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A narrative piece for viola & piano by Joanna Borrett This edition features the viola adaptation of a collection comprising of ten short narrative-based movements originally composed for cello and piano. It tells the tale of an ancient indigenous Scottish clan through a rich and vibrant musical journey. Within the unique and moving composition, this book will transport you to a world of ancient beauty and tradition as it follows the clan’s story. Suitable for Grade 4-5 level players and above, it uses many easy specialist effects, such as specialist pizz, col legno, ponticello, tapping, and singing, to enhance the drama of the work. With stunning original music and an engaging narrative, this viola and piano book is the perfect way to connect with the spirit of Scotland. Clan has been well-received by critics, with the string orchestra recording of Clan chosen as Album of the Weekend by Scala Radio, and Video of the Day at Gramophone. The third movement was recently played on Jools Holland’s Radio 3 programme ‘Earlier’ “Ravishingly beautiful music” - Paul Carr, Composer“Joanna Borrett’s Clan is an authentic journey with warm melodies that makes you feel part of a story which is sometimes peaceful and sometimes projects intense emotions. A true work of art. " - Eduardo Cruz, end sessions.com “The music plays out like a ballet suite, a wistful introduction leading to a pithy, catchy reel lasting barely a minute and a euphonious celebration of unity, 'Us'. Borrett’s language is tonal and accessible, the string writing alluding to a very English tradition. Think Holst or Warlock, in a good way. Borrett’s concision is striking, with much incident packed into movements which rarely exceed three minutes; Clan lasts just over 19 minutes but feels much bigger. 'Betrayal' and “Armour and Battlefield” take us into impressively astringent territory,  and a final 'Chant' has wordless vocals before a solemn, downbeat close.“ - Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk, March, 2024. “Clan forges a strong connection between folk and classical music and the stories come to thrilling life with such passion, beauty and feeling.” - Simon Godley, God is in the TV, April, 2024. YouTube: First Movement One MorningYouTube: Second Movement Reel You can download MP3 tracks of each song in the 'Resources' tab.

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