The cello part for Berceuse by Jarnefelt (ABRSM Grade 4 cello syllabus) has a section of what appears to be double stopping. Some of the stretches are monstrous if not impossible for me. The lower of the two notes has a much smaller head. Can anyone tell me what this means please? I'm hoping it means I can opt to play either but not be required to play both. There are no notes about this on the music nor in the syllabus.

I don't play the cello or know that piece but could they be harmonics rather than double stops? Or maybe grace notes?
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Thank you for the suggestions. I've already been advised that they are not harmonics. I don't think they can be grace notes as they are on the same stem. They look like chords but with the head of the lower note half the size. There are no directions ie. div/non div. I was hoping someone who played it for their Grade 4 cello could tell me what they did. I have the correct edition as indicated by ABRSM.

If your teacher doesn't know and no-one on here comes up with an actual answer then you could maybe email the board and ask them. That would give you written evidence of what the board wanted should an examiner question it.

Thank you. What a good idea. Why didn't I think of that!!

I played this piece and I definitely only played one of the lines but I did it in a music service exam not an ABRSM exam (we use the same syllabus) I am guessing I played the top line but I could be wrong because I don't have the music anymore....sorry!

Thanks, This is just the sort of confirmation I want. I feel I'm getting closer to the difinitive answer!