Compositions by Ailbhe McDonagh for cello. Sheet music is available to download directly from this site.
The Bandit Masquerade
The Bandit Masquerade for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2017. This piece has a cheeky feel to it. Helpful in teaching 5/8 time signature. Grade 5 level.
Barrel Dance for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2018. This piece is fast and fun. Helpful in teaching the change between 1st and 1/2 position on the cello and includes some L.H. pizz. Grade 2 level.
Barynya for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2018. This piece uses syncopation and is a fast lively rhythmic piece. Guaranteed fun! Grade 1/2.
Bass Tango for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2017. This piece uses syncopation and the classic Tango dance form. Fun use of triplet crotchets/quarter notes. Grade 3/4.
Cellango for Cello quartet was composed in 2018 and dedicated to the cellist Aisling Drury-Byrne, a former cello teacher of Ailbhe McDonagh. This piece is for professional level cellists.
Chinese Garden for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2019. This should sound like the feel of a Chinese Garden - relaxing and wonderous. Helpful in teaching col legno and bow legato. Grade 1
Dance Suite for Solo Cello was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2020. It has six movements - I. Tango, II, Waltz, III. Gopak, IV. Ballet, V. Irish Reels, VI. Charleston. Kindly supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
Fandango for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2018. This piece uses the ricochet stroke in a Fandango style rhythm. There is a gradual accelerando from the beginning to the end of the piece which is directed by the cellist to great effect. Guaranteed fun!
The Irish Hoedown for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2019. This piece should feel confident and slightly cheeky. Helpful in teaching no pattern bowing used in Irish traditional music. Grade 3.
Late for School for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2018. This piece has an agitated feel to it as if you were late! Helpful in teaching fast staccato. Grade 1.
Mischief for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2019. This piece should feel confident and slightly cheeky. Helpful in teaching opposite bowing in the same theme. Grade 3.
New Shoes for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2017. This piece should feel confident and slightly cheeky. Helpful in teaching 12/8 time signature and a fastswitch to 4th position. Grade 2.
Penguin Parade for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2018. Helpful in teaching 12/8 time signatureand a shift to 4th position. Grade 3
Skellig for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2019 as a commission for the McDonagh Sisters' album SKELLIG released in 2020. This is a professional level piece mostly written in the treble clef. It is atmospheric, powerful and intense - all of the emotions portrayed by the iconic Skellig islands off the west coast of Ireland.
Spring Parade for cello and piano was composed by Ailbhe McDonagh in 2018. This piece has a jolly feel to it. Helpful in teaching C major 2 octaves and the brush stroke. Grade 2.
