This one day course introduces the key aspects of playing the baroque cello. We will explore, playing without the spike, posture, the baroque bow and temperaments through practical music making.
What is the course about?
Aimed at both modern cello players and those who have already started exploring the baroque cello, this course looks at the key aspects of baroque cello playing.
What makes a good bassline? We will explore answering this question by looking at the cellos history, tuning and temperaments, continuo and ground bass. We will focus on practical music making with a particular focus on Bach’s cello suites. Looking for new perspective on familiar music!
What will you learn?
By the end of the course you will:
Have knowledge of and train your ears to listen to temperaments and how to tune your strings for baroque playing
explored fresh approaches to bach cello suites
looked at continuo playing: figured bass, ground basses
explored technical aspects of baroque cello that differ to modern cello
How will the course be taught?
This course is taught at A415.
Session 1 - Technical Foundations Holding the cello ‘da gamba’, without a spike Tuning and hearing baroque temperaments Bowing principles
Session 2 - Bach Cello Suites Please prepare a movement from Bach’s cello suites, either to perform or workshop or simply to ask questions
Session 3 - How to play a good bassline Ground basses: reading figures & group improvisation Play and explore excerpts of famous basslines
Session 4 - Group Chamber Music Play Alfonso Ferrabosco - Fantasia for 6 Bass Viols
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for cellists playing at the Confident and Skilful levels who are new to working with baroque instruments and bows. Please see our Ability Levels Explained for further details.
Both modern cellos and baroque cellos are welcome. If you have or can borrow a baroque bow, please bring it with you, we will endeavour to have some spares available for those without.
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
Please prepare questions about a specific movement of one of J S Bach's Cello Suites and, if you like, prepare to play it too! Other music will be provided during the course by the tutor.
Please bring your instruments, your baroque bow (if you have one) and a notebook for recording insights, if you wish.
