When Gautier Capucon played with the Berlin Philharmonic, he invited the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic to join him for his encore. The Song of the Birds was incredible with the sonic texture of all the cellists.

What would it be like if Yo-Yo Ma did something similar when he comes to Pittsburgh in June? He could feature the orchestra cellists and the Pittsburgh Cello Quartet. What would he play? Something with a Pittsburgh connection? Something easily recognizable?

My answer to the thought experiment is an arrangement of Stephen Foster’s Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair. It is scored for cello quartet and solo cello.  The solo cello part requires an experienced cellist. The other parts are accessible for students, only one of the quartet parts requires tenor clef. The sheet music is now available. If Yo- Yo Ma is not available, what cellist will you feature?