The Cambridge Companion to the Cello

A compact and authoritative survey of the cello, examining its history, repertory, teaching methods, technical developments and distinguished cellists.

This is a compact and authoritative survey of the cello. It deals with the history and construction of the cello and bow, discusses the careers of the most distinguished cellists through history, surveys the repertory and reviews teaching methods, technical developments and issues of performance practice.This is a compact, composite and authoritative survey of the history and development of the cello and its repertory since the origins of the instrument. The volume comprises thirteen essays, written by a team of nine distinguished scholars and performers, and is intended to develop the cello's historical perspective in breadth and from every relevant angle, offering as comprehensive a coverage as possible. It focuses in particular on four principal areas: the instrument's structure, development and fundamental acoustical principles; the careers of the most distinguished cellists since the baroque era; the cello repertory (including chapters devoted to the concerto, the sonata, other solo repertory, and ensemble music); and its technique, teaching methods and relevant aspects of historical and performance practice. It is the most comprehensive book ever to be published about the instrument and provides essential information for performers, students and teachers.