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Power and majesty: Domenico Montagnana ‘Farina’ cello 1730

20 June 2025

Farina Montagnana

Made by Domenico Montagnana in 1730, the ‘Farina’ cello is a stunning instrument with a rich, powerful sound. John Waddle and Steve Sirr delve into its history and show how CT scans helped gather measurements for this month’s poster

The 1730 Domenico Montagnana cello known as the ‘Farina’ is part of a rare breed: one that survived the rigours of the 19th century intact. Most large-size cellos were reduced in size during that time, owing to the demands of new repertoire and the changing needs of the player. By the end of the century, the number of uncut Montagnana cellos – and indeed those of his contemporaries, such as Matteo Gofriller and Francesco Gobetti – was minimal, which is why examining the ‘Farina’ feels somewhat like looking into a crystal ball to view an instrument almost as it came from the maker’s workshop ‘alla Cremona’…

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