Composer Asking a Few Questions About the Cello
Hello y'all! I recently got commissioned to write a piece for my friend's Percussion and Cello duo. Now, I'm a clarinet and piano player, with no experience playing any string instruments, so I have a few questions about writing for cello. They're rather scatter-brained and all over the place, but I'm really pushing myself (and the cellist) in terms of techniques. So I want to make sure I'm writing music that isn't realistic.
Is slurring notes together harder than playing them all separated? I know if the slur is too long, you run out of bow. I'm just wondering if it's more difficult than playing separated. I've read in passing that it's more so the fingers having to stay connected that can be problematic. But I've not really read anything definitive.
How far up can you go onto the string comfortably? Like, for example, "On the C String, we're comfortable with going 2-octaves above the open note" (This is just a random example, not based in anything)
For col legno buttato, will 16th notes at quarter = 60 over a few measures be too fast or too tiresome?
In terms of artificial harmonics, how comfortable/realistic are touch major 3rd and touch minor 3rd? Should I only go up to a certain note? Should I avoid certain notes? Should I mark it X dynamic? Or should I just stay clear of using them entirely?
I'll be happy to clarify any questions that are weirdly-worded. I know I'm not great at wording things well.
Thank you in advance!