Twelve symphonic cellos form the string group in Aribert Reimann's opera ''The House of Bernarda Alba'', which earned the distinction of ''Best first performance of the year 2000''. ''Solo II'' may be seen as an echo of the operatic work for chamber ensemble. Composed for the ''Emanuel Feuermann'' Grand Prix, this piece full of tensions calls for a great breadth of technique from the player. Rapid runs and repetitions are required, in addition to polyphonic playing and achieving a balance of sound with numerous sul ponticello effects.