For Subscribers

Technique: Cello sound production

2023-10-17T09:12:00

AB on left2

Cellist Alexander Baillie guides those starting to explore sound options with the bow

Essentially any exploration of sound production on the cello relies on three elements – the placement of the bow on the string, the speed of the bow, and the amount of weight or pressure applied. By focusing on any one or any combination of these, it is possible to simplify what is going on with tone production and to solve any problem relating to it. Thinking of the points of contact between the fingerboard and the bridge as the five lanes of a motorway is a formula that takes the mystery out of playing, and is a reliable image to turn to again and again…

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    Free trial

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

    Subscribe

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.