The purposes and possibilities for uses of this unique collection of “etude-caprices” are many. In its most obvious roles, it can serve as both technical and musical preparation for music by the composers on whose styles each original etude-caprice is based. Believing that music, from various periods, is most effectively interpreted when articulations, bowings, fingerings, sonorities, phrasings, and characters reflect the socio-cultural environment of its origin, the essence of each composer’s life and times is captured in 12 Etude-Caprices in the Styles of the Great Composers for Cello Alone. Additionally, by providing an enjoyable gateway to readiness for the great works of the cello literature, as well as those encountered in orchestral and chamber playing, this holistic approach to essential technique and musicianship will inspire creativity in the development of a “ personal voice” making the study and performances of these etude-caprices, on recitals and in contests, much more distinctive, convincing, and fun!
-Amy Barlowe

Praise for 12 Etude-Caprices in the Styles of the Great Composers for Cello Alone

"Amy Barlowe’s 12 Etude- Caprices in the Styles of the Great Composers for Cello Alone is a beautifully crafted and musically engaging addition to the repertoire for solo cello. I can’t wait to share these with my students, and I highly recommend it to all cellists and cello enthusiasts. BRAVA, Ms. Barlowe."
-Sharon Robinson
Faculty at The Cleveland Institute of Music

"Amy Barlowe has done it again! She has given us an imaginative addition to our cello repertoire in the form of 12 unaccompanied one- and two-page Caprices that would stand alone on a program as well as realizing her intent to provide a musical and technical introduction to the styles of 12 composers from Bach to Prokofiev. The Caprices are on the intermediate to advanced levels. All have tenor clef; the last Caprices use treble clef. The range of the first etudes are to harmonic A on the A string. The later ones go as high as the third Bb on the A string. There is some use of false harmonics along with a variety of bowing styles. Background information and preparation suggestions are given for each of these well-edited Caprices. They are fun to play and I am looking forward to introducing them in my studio!"
-Tanya Lesinsky Carey
Artist Teacher of cello
Roosevelt University CCPA, Chicago
Music Institute of Chicago Academy Program

"For students who want to challenge themselves with studies that are not just technically driven, but encompass the stylistic voice of specific composers, look no further! Amy Barlowe has gifted the cello world with her unique and creative addition to the cellists' pedagogical studies, writing in an individual, interesting, musically and technically relevant voice. I highly recommend these as an addition to the cellists' historical canon of etudes!"
-Dr. Melissa Kraut
Co-chair of cello, The Cleveland Institute of Music