Cello da spalla

The violoncello da spalla, often called the cello da spalla, is a small five-string cello. It is played by resting it against the shoulder. Like the regular cello, it has strings tuned to C, G, D, and A, but it also has an extra string that gives it a higher pitch. This extra string is tuned to E.

This special cello was made for people who play the violin. Violins are usually held under the chin, so playing a regular cello—which sits between the legs—can be tricky for them. The violoncello da spalla is easier because it rests on the shoulder and chest. It is bigger than a viola but smaller than a regular cello.

Some old musical pieces, like suites and serenades, start or end with marches. These marches might have been played using the violoncello da spalla or other small cellos made for walking in processions. These procession cellos have a tiny hole under the neck where a hook and strap can be attached.

Possible use by Bach

It can be hard to know exactly which instrument composers like J. S. Bach meant to use because they used many different names. Some think Bach might have used the violoncello da spalla when he wrote for a "violoncello piccolo." This name appears in many of his Bach cantatas, and the music uses many different notes, showing the instrument can play a wide range. The five-string version could have been used for his Cello Suite No. 6. The high string on this instrument also lets someone play violin music an octave lower, like in Bach's violin sonatas, without changing the music.

Musicians

Some musicians who have played the cello da spalla include François Fernandez, Sigiswald Kuijken, Sergey Malov, and Ryo Terakado. Others who have also performed with this instrument are Dmitry Badiarov, Stephen Collins, Samuel Hengebaert, Olav Johansson, Mikael Marin, Andrew Gonzalez, Makoto Akatsu, and Gregorio Ibáñez Gómez.