Daniela was fascinated by the Violoncello da Spalla as soon as she tried one. “Unconventional” but perfectly fitting in the violin family, not standardised but with a strong personality. Used by the most important composers of the baroque period, the Violoncello da Spalla later lived a rich but mysterious life until the sparkly renaissance it is experiencing today.
The Violoncello da Spalla is the most versatile instrument you can encounter. With the open strings of the cello and the violin, you can easily play bass lines as well as the melody, and all that is in between. It’s the perfect companion of today’s violinist and violist: playing a missing part in a chamber music group, doubling a choir part, accompanying students, leading a group from the continuo role, recording one-man orchestras in the studio or at home.
Fitting all genres of music, from classical to folk, jazz, soundtracks… All this on top of its original baroque repertoire! Don’t miss your chance to try one!
Formerly professional violist and gut string maker, Daniela Gaidano is an Italian luthier specialising in the Violoncello da Spalla. She is based in Meltina, South Tyrol, Italy, and works together with her husband, luthier and flautist Alessandro Visintini.
