Sydney Recording Studios: The size of the instrument was standardized by Stradivarius. Quite a number of original Stradivarius cellos remain. Current players include Yo-Yo Ma, Julian Lloyd Webber and Clive Greensmith of the Tokyo string Quartet.
The first serious cello method was not written until 1741 by Michel Corrette. This gives an indication of its lowly stature until fairly late in the game.
Sydney Recording Studios: Early 5 String Cellos
Some cellos in the late 17th and early 18th centuries had five strings with an added E above the A. One of Bach’s six solo suites was probably written for this instrument.
Some of those who have played non-traditional cello music: The Portland Cello Project, Ray Brown, Apocalyptica, Hank Roberts, The Electric Light Orchestra, The Piano Guys and Zoë Keating
The instrument maker Luis and Clark builds a cello out of carbon fiber rather than wood. The company has sold over 1000 of the instruments – one of them to Yo-Yo Ma. I have never heard one live but they are supposed to be quite nice (update, one of our cello teachers on our website has played one and liked it).
Sydney Recording Studios: The Greatest Cellists of all time
Some of the greatest cellists of all time: Mstislav Rostropovich, Pablo Casals, Jacqueline du Pre, Yo-Yo Ma, Pierre Fournier, Gregor Piatigorsky, Paul Tortelier and Mischa Maisky
With a long and storied history such as this, not to mention a tone like no other instrument in the orchestra, it isn’t hard to see why the cello has remained so popular for so long.
Well known jazz cello players include Oscar Pettiford, Harry Babasin, Dave Holland, Abdul Wadud, Ron Carter, Oscar Pettiford and many others.
Rock/pop bands that have used the cello include Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, ELO, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith and Panic at the Disco.
This is some bad ass Cello Playing by 2cellos!
