Cello Basics 29: How to Play Wheelbarrow Race

In this video, we're going to be learning a new piece called Wheelbarrow Race from my book It's a Cello Thing, book one (published by Boosey & Hawkes). You can listen to a recording of this piece here.

Playing "Con Brio"

This piece is marked Con Brio, which means "with brilliance." This suggests a fast tempo and a lively, energetic character. However, as always, we start slowly. A fast tempo is the final goal, but practicing slowly gives your body a chance to learn the geography of the piece first.

Practice Tip: Bow on Open Strings

Before adding your fingers, practice the bow arm alone on open strings. This gives the bow confidence so it knows exactly which level (string) it needs to be on at any given time.

How to Start with a Pianist

The piano part for this piece (available here on Spotify) starts right after you play your first notes. It acts like a duet partner. To play together effectively, you need to give a clear Upbeat so the pianist knows when to come in. You have two options:

1. The sniff: take a sharp breath (a "sniff") on the beat before you play.
2. The air bow: do an up-bow gesture in the air before landing on the string.

Technique 1: The Accent (The "Kick")

In bar 4, you will see an accent (> sign) on the fourth quaver. You need to give this note a "kick."

How to do it:

• Pronate: turn your hand slightly inward onto your first finger (index finger) to add pressure.
• Elbow: use a little burst of energy from your elbow.
• Result: this gives the note a "ring" or a bite that distinguishes it from the others.

Technique 2: Dynamics vs. Physics

There is a tricky spot where we have a diminuendo (getting quieter) while moving down to lower strings.

• The challenge: lower strings are thicker and usually need more weight to speak, but the music asks us to get quieter.
• The solution: you must actively think about lightening the bow as you descend, fighting the urge to press down.

Combining Moves: The "Move & Kick"

Later in the piece, you have to perform an accent during a string crossing. This involves an anticlockwise circle with the arm plus the "kick" of the accent. Think of it as two actions: 1) move and 2) kick. Start the string crossing early in your arc so you are ready to land with the accent.

The Metronome Never Lies

Because this piece is fast and rhythmic, practicing with a metronome is essential. It will reveal if your string crossings are slowing you down. If you drag behind the beat, slow it down and isolate the crossing until it is smooth.