One Hundred Years of Violoncello
A History of Technique and Performance Practice, 1740–1840

The first book to address the full range of performance issues for the violoncello.

Valerie Walden (Author)

9780521607612, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 August 2004

328 pages, 9 b/w illus. 308 music examples
24.7 x 19 x 1.8 cm, 0.605 kg

This is the first book to address the full range of performance issues for the cello from the Baroque to the early Romantic period. The development of playing techniques and stylistic transitions are traced regionally through a comparison of Italian, French, German, English, and East European performance traits. Through a close study of contemporary violoncello methods, music, early instruments, periodicals, diaries, letters and pictures, Walden provides a cohesive overview which examines construction methods for instruments and bows, fingering and bowing techniques, special effects and ornamentation, accompanying skills and the stylistic preferences of the most famous soloists. Richly illustrated with over 300 music examples, plates and figures, this book provides playing instructions which can easily be applied by modern players to their own performance of period music.

Introduction
1. Violoncello and schools of performance
2. Development of the violoncello
3. The bow grip and instrument hold
4. The development of fingering techniques
5. Bow strokes and their execution
6. Special effects
7. Rules of ornamentation
8. The art of accompaniment
9. Elements of aesthetics and style
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Techniques of music / music tutorials [AVS]