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Who invented Cello?

Are there any viola pomposa's in existence or still made today? (5-string cello [C-G-d-a-e'] invented by Bach)

  • The International Music Co. (NY) edition of J. S. Bach’s Solo Cello Suite #6 in D was “composed originally for an instrument with 5 strings C-G-d-a-e', 'Viola Pomposa' which was invented by J. S. Bach". (1) Are there other historical references to this instrument? (2) Are old instruments still in existence? (3) Do modern makers still make it? (4) What string length, string gauges and string materials do they use? (Shorter length is needed so the high e’ string won’t need to be tuned so tight, but the shorter length for the lower strings means they need to be tuned looser, thus lack volume and sonority.) (5) How will the body and neck support the added tension of the extra 5th string? (6) What is the proper width, length and depth of the instrument body for the best resonance and sonority? (Will the instrument sound like a high-pitched cello or like a low-pitched viola?) (7) Would a 4-string version (G-d-a-e’) add anything to the String Quartet, Cello Quartet or Cello Orchestra?

  • Answer:

    There are modern 5 string cellos with C,G,D,A,E, tuning, mostly of the electric variety. These are mostly used in non-classical groups. Having the hogher register available adds to the ability of the cello to carry more of the lead and melody lines, as opposed to its more traditional supporting role. There was also an instrument in the mid 1800's called the Arpeggion. Franz Schubert wrote a sonanta for that instrument. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arpeggione This instrument is not being currently used much either.

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I can only confidently say that it is unlikely that this instrument would add anything to the string quartet because the string quartet came in later. I've never come across this instrument but there are many collections of historical instruments that could have one. Here in Britain we have the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Victoria and Albert musuem sometimes has old instruments. This sounds like it might be a relative of the viol, and there are still examples of that around.

ecb

The only thing I know of that sounds close is a five-string violin/viola. I had a friend in college that had one - it was pretty cool even though it was electric. I've seen others and they have all been electric. It had c-d-g-a-e strings and sounded like a viola/violin as it had the range of both instruments. As for other old instruments - I've seen and played dulcimers, psaltries, zithers, and knew a guy who made a hurdy-gurdy. As for the rest of your questions, sorry I can't answer them. I suggest that you find a good luthier in your area and ask him/her - or if there's a college with a good music program - ask a music history professor there.

kdollmusic

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