Not all cellos are created equal, especially when it comes to size. In this feature, we dive into the world of large cellos, their unique characteristics, and the majestic resonance that makes them stand out!
The size and shape of a cello significantly contribute to its overall sound, affecting its tone colour, volume, and resonance. Here's an breif look at how these factors interplay.
1. Resonance and Volume
Firstly, a cello's resonance and volume are primarily influenced by the size of its body. Larger cellos typically have a larger resonating cavity, which can produce a greater volume of sound. This is because the larger body allows for more air to vibrate within the instrument, resulting in a louder and more resonant sound. This is why larger models like the Montagnana and Gofriller are renowned for their powerful, voluminous tones.
2. Tone Quality and Timbre
Secondly, the shape and size of a cello can greatly influence its tone quality, or timbre. The sound of a cello is produced by the vibrations of the strings, which are amplified by the body of the instrument. The unique characteristics of these vibrations are shaped by the cello's body, influencing the overall tone of the instrument.
In the case of larger cellos, their wider bodies can often produce a broader spectrum of overtones, leading to a richer and more complex sound. Furthermore, because of their expanded lower bouts, these instruments are often especially resonant in the lower register, resulting in a deep, warm tone.
3. Projection
Thirdly, the size of a cello can affect its projection - the ability of its sound to carry across a room or concert hall. Larger cellos often have better projection due to their increased volume and resonance. This means their sound can be heard more clearly and powerfully, even at a distance.
Davide Pizzolato is among our top rising talents. He crafts his masterpieces at Daniele Tonarelli's workshop in Cremona, where he creates top-tier instruments under expert guidance. This specific Montagnana model cello, which has gained significant popularity in London, delivers an excellent blend of depth, projection, and warmth - qualities that are emblematic of this model. This cello is a true gem in its price bracket and is absolutely worth a try!
Ever since we played on Francesco Toto's instruments in his Cremona workshop back in 2018, we have been trying to have one of his phenomenal cellos at our London showroom. This is one of the rare instruments that in our opinion, score very highly across a wide variety of categories: the craftsmanship is some of the finest we have ever seen. The varnish has a rich golden colour and an incredible depth that brings out the tasteful and refined choice of wood. Extreme attention was paid to the setup, resulting in an instrument that is very easy to play. The sound is in one word, outstanding. It was a warm, expansive and rich tone that fills a hall and a response across the instrument like no other cello we have tried. Truly, a cello to be seen and heard in person.
Francesco Toto is an Italian luthier based in Cremona, working to his own models. He describes his aim as creating unique instruments guided by a search for beauty and elegant, clean-cut lines that give each one a powerful voice of its own.
His competition record is exceptional, particularly for cellos. He took a bronze medal in the cello section at Mittenwald in 2001, a silver at the 5th Mittenwald competition in 2005, and in 2006 both the gold medal and first place overall in the cello section of the 11th International Triennial Competition in Cremona, plus the Walter Stauffer Musicology Centre gold medal for the instrument judged most praiseworthy overall in acoustic terms at the same event.
His cellos are played by professional musicians internationally, and he remains one of the most decorated cello makers of his generation.
We first played Francesco's instruments in his Cremona workshop in 2018 and spent years trying to get one of his cellos into the London showroom. It was worth the effort. His work is among the rare set that scores highly across every category at once. The craftsmanship is some of the finest we have ever seen, the varnish has a rich golden colour with a depth that brings out a tasteful choice of wood, and the setup is meticulous, so the instrument is very easy to play. The sound is outstanding: warm, expansive and rich enough to fill a hall, with a response across the whole instrument unlike any other cello we have tried.
Luiz Amorim is a Brazilian maker based in Cremona with an impressive reputation roster of clients. He is particularly known for his cellos and has made instruments for well known players such as Daniel Muller-Schott and Antonio Meneses, to name a few. We are very pleased to have this Gofriller model cello in our showroom. The sound is powerful, with lots of overtones and it has a particularly impressive A string.
Pedro Silva is a cellist and one of the co-founders of Myluthier.co. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2018 with a Master of Arts in cello performance, studying with Guy Johnston. He enjoys an varied freelance career as an orchestral, chamber musician and frequently collaborates with Early Music ensembles and West End productions.
A conservative guide to daily violin care: cleaning, humidity, strings, bridge and bow, and when to bring the instrument to a workshop.
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