BS: Things to do with a cello

Subject: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: olddude
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 06:02 PM

I just inherited a cello.. I have no idea how to play it so I am looking for suggestions. A child's canoe maybe. A club to quiet my noisey neighbors? A place to hide single malt from my brother in law

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: gnu
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 06:09 PM

PLAY IT!

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 06:37 PM

A cello case can hold a much bigger machine gun than a violin case.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Don Firth
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 07:50 PM

Like a violin on steroids. Great rich, mellow sound.

Take advantage of a rare opportunity and learn to play it. A few lessons to start of with, anyway, would be a good investment.

Not a "folk instrument" per se (whatever that is), but I've heard some great stuff sung by Gordon Bok accompanying himself on the guitar as usual, with a young woman backing him on a cello. Rich!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Nick
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 08:16 PM

I know two cellists who regularly play at sessions and singarounds and it is a lovely mellow rich sound to play and sing with. Works pizzicato or bowed.

Think I first heard it on a Judy Collins album I have called 'Recollections' which includes live tracks from a 1964 concert with Chuck Isaacs playing cello or bass (eg on the track Winter Sky)

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Nick
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 08:18 PM

... make that Chuck Israels.

If you have three cellos you can play darts with them.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: maeve
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 08:42 PM

You lucky fellow! I can think of many songs and tunes I'd like to try with voice and cello... and many more suited to voice and cellamba.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 09:02 PM

Many years ago, a guy I knew made a hurdy-gurdy out of one.... sort of.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Padre
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 09:21 PM

Bill D,
I remember the 'cello-gurdy' with some affection. It appeared with great regularity at the Washington Folk Festival @ Glen Echo Park!! Always wondered how it would sound as a backup instrument for a sea chantey group.

Padre

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 10:32 PM

Hi Padre Tom! Yep... there could even be chanties especially for it... of the nature of "Tanquerey Martini"... about how it could be used as an extra lifeboat, with grog stored inside.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Don Firth
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 10:34 PM

olddude, might I suggest that you find out what it's worth before you decide to saw it apart and make a hurdy-gurdy or a "footdella" out of it.

There are cellos (celli?) floating around out there that are worth millions, and a halfway decent one doesn't come cheap (unless, of course, you inherited it). Be sure to find out what you have.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: olddude
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 10:41 PM

No I would not ever destroy it i probably will never play it but maybe my grandchildren will. It is in beautiful shape

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Don Firth
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 01:25 AM

Back in the 1960s (or was that the 1860s?) a fifteen-year-old girl came to me for guitar lessons. She already had a nice guitar, the less expensive Martin classic. She wanted to accompany folk songs, but she also wanted to play a bit of classical guitar. I asked her the usual run of questions that I ask beginning students. Could she read music? Yes. But I guess I forgot to ask her "what instrument?" So many have had some piano lessons that I just sort of assumed…. Anyway, I started her on Classic Guitar Technique, Vol. I, by Aaron Shearer. I hardly had to tell her anything about hand positions. As soon as she put them on her guitar, they were right on. For the first lesson I gave her the usual stuff to work on,

When she came for her lesson the following week, she said, "I went ahead a few pages in the manual. I hope that's okay."

Indeed it was! She had nailed about four lessons worth of material—and had it down solid. In fact, she went through the manual in a quarter of the time most pupils did. Okay, I thought, what next?

I showed her some fingerboard "calisthenics," and as I was showing them to her, she said, "You mean like this?" And her left-hand fingers flickered up and down and back and forth over the length and breadth of the fingerboard, practically making the strings smoke!

I thought, "Is this kid sandbagging me?"

I asked her, "What instrument did you say you played?"

"I've played the cello in the Seattle Youth Symphony for about seven years."

The Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra was a very professional sounding orchestra that gave frequent concerts, conducted by University of Washington Music professor Vilem Sokol—comprised entirely of teen-agers and precocious pre-teens.

The position of the right hand holding a cello bow was very close to the way it should hover over the strings of a guitar, and the left hand, with the thumb behind the neck and the fingers lined up, free to move, is essentially the same for both instruments. And if she had played with the SOYO for seven years, that meant she was no slouch on the cello!

Mystery solved!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Musket
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 06:35 AM

I love the cello, and I am rather pleased to have a neice who plays professionally.

However, I am aware of one of many quotes from the conductor Sir Thomas Beecham in the early part of the c20, during a rehersal, turning on a female cellist and shouting;

"Madam, that thing between your legs is capable of giving great joy to people, and you just sit there scratching it."

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 08:24 AM

Me, I prefer limoncello - which reminds me of another culinary disaster.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: bubblyrat
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 08:56 AM

Gosh ! I was about to say that ! I became a dedicated convert after eating limoncello sorbet in Amalfi in 2012 ! Now I make my own dessert (courtesy of Thames pub "The Rose Revived" ) from clotted cream,single or double cream,lemon sorbet, chunks of meringue,and,of course,a liberal dose of Italy's finest .....Mmmmmmmm!!

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 10:49 AM

About Sir Thomas Beecham

1. That's a nasty story. Why did you repeat it?

2. I don't believe it ever happened. Sounds like an urban tale.

======================================
Dan, Don Firth is right. Get an idea of its value. Is it good or is it merely a "cello-shaped object?"

There's a Scottish fiddler, Alistair Fraser (sp) who partners with a cellist. Check them out on YouTube.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 11:29 AM

Beecham was known for his rapier like wit - Examples

Not quoting him doesn't make what he said go away.

There are probably quite a few skeletons who use mudcat. They'll probably not like the copulating comment

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 11:41 AM

Alisdair Fraser and Natalie Hass referenced by leeneia above. Hot stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Stu
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 12:11 PM

I love the sound of a cello, wonderful instrument. Best of luck with learning it.

As has been mentioned it can be used in a folk context too. Rachel McShane of Bellowhead plays one and when I saw The Chieftains they had a cellist with them.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: olddude
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 12:31 PM

the real mystery is where it came from. Noone in my family ever played cello. Well at least no one will admit to it. Grandfathers never did nor uncles. Dad no way. It is a beauty however and in wonderful shape. The old bow is perfect. a mystery to be solved.

Bruce... to hide a really big machine gun ... that is aweome LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Bettynh
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 12:54 PM

John Holt, the guy who wrote about failed American schools, learned cello as an adult and wrote a book about the experience.


Michael Bacon of the Bacon Brothers is a cellist.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 01:04 PM

If it's a good one you could trade it in for one of these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuf18bwsDnQ

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: olddude
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 02:39 PM

I got enough trouble with fingers I would be lethal with a bowed instrument. But I may give it a try after warning people to put on ear protection

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Don Firth
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 03:27 PM

Yeah, I'm afraid that Sir Thomas Beecham actually said that. One of his more famous bon mots. Along with such remarks as "A harpsichord sounds like two skeletons copulating on a tin roof!"

Sir Tommy was a real piece of work. During World War II, he ducked and ran for cover from the war by moving to Seattle, where he became the conductor of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra for a couple of years. He earned the animosity of a lot of Brits for alleged cowardice as Londoners were enduring nightly air raids while he sat with his feet up, eating baked salmon and picking his teeth in relatively placid Seattle, a potential target for Japanese bombers that never got this far. The Pacific Ocean is a bit wider than the English Channel.

But his come-uppance was that he had to endure living in Seattle, which he declared "The cultural dustbin of the world!" And a number of other derogatory remarks, endearing himself to his host city.

Far from "the cultural dustbin of the world," Seattle has a world-class symphony orchestra (Milton Katims was essentially responsible for that), world-class opera company, world-class ballet company, and drama companies and repertory theaters all over the place.

Poor Sir Tommy didn't know where to look.

I think had I been the lady cellist he addressed in such a mannerr, Sir Tommy would suddenly be wearing his baton in a very painful location.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 03:46 PM

Now, if you want to make a reputation for yourself, play it the way the first celli were, under the chin, horizontally. Of course, they didn't have spikes then...

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 04:06 PM

Don't forget Seattle's world-class Grunge, Don.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Musket
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 04:14 PM

Yeah but you can't be angry with a bloke who , referring to Malcolm Sargent, conductor of The London Philharmonic Orchestra, referred to it as Sargent's mess.

Even better, when rehearsing some Delius, with the composer listening, shouted "How does that sound Fred?"

"Ok apart from the horns."

"Right. Ladies and gentlemen , try again from section D."

" How was that Fred?"

"Much better, thanks"

"You realise there are no horns in that section.."

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Don Firth
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 04:38 PM

The self-limiting thing about Grunge is that the practitioners of the form keep killing themselves off with drug overdoses.

Can't say's I'm a fan. Nope.

Actually, from what I've seen and heard around here, the Grunge-rockers are a little enclave pretty much off by themselves that not many people pay much attention to.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Don Firth
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 04:43 PM

Until they got the various viells and voils sorted out some centuries ago, the nearest thing to a cello was the viola da gamba (literally, "viola of the legs"), which, I believe, the player actually held clamped between the legs. In paintings of the time and such, I see no evidence of an end pin.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: JennieG
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 06:11 PM

Following on from Don's post - Jordi Savall has released two CDs, "The Celtic Viol" Vols 1 and 2, on which he plays Irish and Scottish tunes on viola da gamba. They are pretty much the pride and joy of my CD collection. When I die I want his version of 'Neil Gow's Lament' played at my funeral.

Jordi Savall (viola da gambe) with Andrew Lawrence-King (harp) - 'The Musical Priest'/Scotch Mary'

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Don Firth
Date: 15 Sep 14 - 10:20 PM

I'd be most interested in that, Jennie, but I can't make the link work. Could post just the URL? I can do that okay.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: LadyJean
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 12:38 AM

I have heard John Jacob Niles play the dulcimer he made from a cello.   I don't know how it's done. But it does seem to be doable. And, yes, his voice was that high.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: JennieG
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 01:30 AM

Sorry, Don - here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwKgf3nmaGw

If you search you tube for "Jordi Savall celtic viol" there are many other tracks too.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 06:36 AM

You could learn to play 8 quarter notes on it,and then you'd be well set for Pachelbel's Canon in D.....the cello part's the same 8 quarter notes repeated 46 times.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 08:16 AM

Rob - you'll know the rant then? Pachabel Rant

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Sep 14 - 09:14 AM

No, you need a double-bass case to hide a canon in...

When Oor Kate has her sprog, they'll fire a 21-gun salute
When a nun does the same, they fire a dirty old canon

Now, most musicians use a violin case to hide a Blue Nun in.

Which I think wraps that leg up.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: gnu
Date: 17 Sep 14 - 05:28 AM

Gusts... GREAT rant! Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Nick
Date: 17 Sep 14 - 08:03 AM

Whoops. Guest was me without cookie

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 18 Sep 14 - 05:30 AM

Hi Dan

My grandson is learning to play a cello loaned to him by the school.

After hearing him several times I will give you the same advice as I have given him.

Burn the b....y thing.....lol

I have given him one of my old guitars and told him to ask the teacher if he will be allowed to play that instead.

Mind you his brother plays the trumpet....!!!!! I take my hearing aids out.

Keep well my friend

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: Musket
Date: 18 Sep 14 - 06:29 AM

You can't keep a Canon in a cello case, but a Nikon might fit.

Also, if you have the cultural appreciation to be a cellist, you might wish to put wine in it, in which case there would be no room for Blue Nun.

Reminds me of when Jeremy Clarkson did a series of documentaries about our European neighbours. When in France, he found the vineyard where they sell the pulp to the factory that makes Blue Nun. He cupped some grapes in his hand, looked at the camera and said, "See these? This time next year they will be on a dining table in Rotherham."

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 18 Sep 14 - 08:18 AM

Is you need inspiring, here is the ,possibly, the greatest cellist in history: Pablo Casals, playing a Catalonian folk melody.

Casals plays folk!

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 18 Sep 14 - 10:21 AM

Thanks, Tunesmith, that's beautiful.

Mikel2, if everyone learning an instrument had to sound good right away, there wouldn't be any music.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 18 Sep 14 - 10:58 AM

Hi Leeneia

<" Mikel2, if everyone learning an instrument had to sound good right away, there wouldn't be any music.">

I know this only too well. I had to learn piano,keyboards and then guitar - I think I turned my parents grey. I did have a spell on the drums too !!!!

I used to get lots of comments, mostly constructive; but to the odd non-constructive ones I used to reply.
" I am sure that I am getting better and more people must want to hear me because they are throwing stones through the window to hear me better.

My comments were in jest.

I used to help young pupils starting to learn to play at a couple of local primary schools.
Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 18 Sep 14 - 09:15 PM

Jeremy Clarkson confesses! Anything BBC-related in reference to Rotherham is already suspect...

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 19 Sep 14 - 09:44 AM

Hi, Mikel2. I'm glad to hear your comments were only in jest. You had me worried there.

It was good of you to help the young pupils.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,Rahere
Date: 19 Sep 14 - 09:54 AM

I still want to know whose shrunken head was first put on top of the tuning box.

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: olddude
Date: 19 Sep 14 - 02:08 PM

Hey Mike Lol about your grandson learning to play it. My kid studied saxophone in middle school. On top of old smokey that song over and over. Like a toothache. That's when I started fishing seriously lol

Subject: RE: BS: Things to do with a cello
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 19 Sep 14 - 02:23 PM

Hi Dan

On Top of Old Smokey on saxophone...! Yeah I guess I would have toothache as well.

My grandson's Kumbaya was his first try. It is a popular song for young children to learn at school over here.

Lovely song when sung by Joan Baez...at least I could turn my hearing aids down. lol

He's doing OK and I went to a school concert at the end of last term and he fitted in well with the young orchestra.

Hope the fish are biting.

Regards

Mike