Violoncello da spalla Bach’s Cello Suites

Few have heard of the violoncello da spalla; fewer still have heard the instrument in a live performance or commercial recording. It looks like a smaller version of the cello and is strapped to the body over the shoulder (spalla), resting across the upper chest. The instrument existed during Bach’s lifetime, and there is speculation that several of his cantatas dating from the 1720s may have been composed with such an instrument in mind. The same has been conjectured about Bach’s Sixth Cello Suite, which will be presented in this performance. Andrew Gonzalez performs a rich program on this fascinating instrument, opening a revelatory view of two of Bach’s iconic cello suites. 

This performance is presented by Washington Bach Consort.