"Chess Miniatures" for cello duet (2025)

2 cellos

e4, d4, and Nf3 are the three most popular starting moves for white in a game of chess. I’ve had the experience of playing all three during my abbreviated chess career, and I’ve found that each move offers a distinct world of possibilities. e4 (the King’s Pawn Opening) often leads to tactical warfare, drawing on ancient traditions. d4 (the Queen’s Pawn Opening) leads to slower, more positional battles, and Nf3 (the Réti Opening) is a flexible choice that can transpose into both e4 and d4 structures. Chess Miniatures is my way of playfully exploring these worlds within a classic, lifelong game.