Top > Instruments > Differences Between Modern Cellos and Historical Instruments

This site introduces unknown composer Emanuel Bach (C. P. E. Bach). This English version was translated from Japanese one by ChatGPT.

Differences Between Modern Cellos and Historical Instruments

I asked ChatGPT4o: "What are the differences between modern cellos and 18th-century historical instruments?"

There are several significant differences between 18th-century cellos (historical instruments) and modern cellos. These differences mainly relate to structure, strings, bows, tuning, and playing techniques. Below, I will explain each difference in detail.

1. Structural Differences

(1) Neck and Fingerboard

• In 18th-century cellos, the neck angle was shallower, and the fingerboard was shorter than today, resulting in a narrower playable range.
• From the 19th century onwards, cellos adopted longer fingerboards and steeper neck angles, increasing volume and making it easier to play in higher registers.

(2) Bass Bar

• In 18th-century cellos, the internal bass bar (a piece of wood to enhance bass) was smaller than today.
• Instruments from the 19th century onwards used larger and sturdier bass bars, resulting in a richer and more powerful sound.

(3) Endpin

• 18th-century cellos did not have endpins, and players supported the instrument by holding it between their legs.
• From the 19th century onwards, endpins became common, increasing the instrumentʼs stability and allowing for greater volume.

2. String Differences

• 18th-century cello strings were made of gut (sheep intestine), producing a soft tone and allowing for delicate expression.
• Modern cellos typically use steel strings or synthetic core strings, which provide greater volume and stable tuning.
• In the 18th century, gut strings wound with silver or copper were sometimes used for the lower strings (C and G).

3. Bow Differences

• The 18th-century cello bow, known as the Baroque bow, was shorter and had a reverse curve (bending outward) compared to modern bows.
• The Baroque bow did not apply constant pressure to the strings, resulting in nuanced differences between up-bow and down-bow strokes.
• Modern bows, known as Tourte bows, established in the 19th century, are designed to produce a more even sound.

4. Tuning Differences

• The standard tuning of 18th-century cellos (A-D-G-C) is the same as today, but the pitch was lower.
  • During the Baroque period, the A pitch was around 415 Hz, compared to the modern standard of A = 440 Hz or 442 Hz.
• In the 18th century, scordatura (alternate tuning) was also commonly used, with adjustments like lowering the G string to F to create unique resonances for specific works.

5. Playing Technique Differences

• Use of Vibrato

  • In the 18th century, vibrato was used sparingly as an ornament and was not applied constantly.
  • In modern cello playing, it is common to use vibrato almost constantly as part of expression.

• Bow Technique

  • In the Baroque era, natural phrasing was emphasized, with weight on the down-bow and a lighter touch on the up-bow.
  • Modern cello playing often involves more even bowing.

• Position Shifts

  • Due to the shorter fingerboard of 18th-century cellos, lower positions were frequently used, and the "thumb position" for higher registers was less common.
  • Modern cellos allow for smoother position shifts and a wider range.

6. Sound Differences

• 18th-century cellos are characterized by a soft and transparent tone. The combination of gut strings and Baroque bows allows for delicate and expressive sound.
• Modern cellos are characterized by a loud and powerful tone, suitable for orchestras and large concert halls.

Summary

Element	18th-century Cello (Historical Instrument)	Modern Cello
Neck and Fingerboard	Short and shallow angle	Long and steep angle
Endpin	None	Present
Strings	Gut strings (sheep intestine)	Steel or synthetic core strings
Bow	Baroque bow (outward curve)	Tourte bow (inward curve)
Tuning	A = 415 Hz	A = 440–442 Hz
Vibrato	Rarely used	Used almost constantly
Sound	Soft and delicate	Powerful and clear

Thus, modern cellos are designed with an emphasis on volume, range, and playing stability, while 18th-century cellos were instruments that emphasized delicate tone and expressive flexibility.

I asked ChatGPT4o: Are gut strings still used when playing historical cellos today?

Yes, gut strings are primarily used when playing historical cellos (Baroque cellos) today. Especially to faithfully reproduce the 18th-century tone and playing style, gut strings made from sheep intestine are preferred. However, considering modern performance environments and practicality, different materials may be used for some strings.

String Choices in Modern Baroque Cello Performance

1. Pure Gut Strings

• Using pure gut strings (unwound gut strings) provides a tone closest to that of the 18th century.
• A strings (1st string) and D strings (2nd string) are often pure gut strings.
• For lower strings (G and C), it is common to use wound strings with a gut core wrapped in metal.

2. Wound Gut Strings

• G strings (3rd string) and C strings (4th string) often use strings with a gut core wrapped in metal (silver or copper).
• Wound strings were already used in the late 18th century and are adopted in modern historical performances to enhance bass stability.

3. Strings with Synthetic Materials

• Some performers choose strings made with nylon or synthetic materials to maintain the gut string tone while improving tuning stability.
• Manufacturers like Pirastro and Aquila have developed synthetic core strings with a sound close to gut strings, which are used by historical instrument players.

Reasons for Using Gut Strings

1. To Reproduce 18th-Century Tone

   • Gut strings have a warm and soft tone, with a wider dynamic range and easier expression of subtle nuances compared to modern steel strings.
   • Combined with a Baroque bow, they allow for more natural phrasing.

2. Suitable for Baroque Playing Techniques

   • When played with a Baroque bow, gut strings have adequate friction, producing a solid sound even with a light touch.
   • They are suitable for Baroque techniques that rely on bowing changes to create tone color, with minimal use of vibrato.

3. Harmony with Historical Ensembles and Period Instruments

   • They harmonize easily with other Baroque instruments (Baroque violin, Baroque flute, etc.).
   • In period ensembles, the overall sound becomes softer, allowing for a more natural blend than with steel strings.

Disadvantages of Gut Strings and Countermeasures

• Susceptible to Humidity and Temperature Changes

  • Gut strings are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, making tuning unstable.
  • Modern historical instrument performers often use humidifiers or dehumidifiers in dressing rooms.

• Low Durability

  • Gut strings wear out easily and have a shorter lifespan than steel strings.
  • Frequent string changes are necessary, requiring maintenance effort and cost.

• Slow Sound Attack

  • Compared to steel strings, the sound attack is slower, making them disadvantageous in situations requiring sharp attacks like modern orchestras.
  • Therefore, some performers choose steel or synthetic core strings for repertoires other than Baroque music.

Manufacturers of Gut Strings for Baroque Cellos

1. Pirastro (Passione, Oliv, Evah Pirazzi Gold, etc.)
2. Aquila (traditional pure gut strings)
3. Gut Strings (handmade authentic gut strings)
4. Dan Larsen (crafted by a gut string specialist)

Summary

• In modern historical performances, gut strings are commonly used for Baroque cellos.
• It is common to combine pure gut strings (A and D strings) with wound gut strings (G and C strings).
• Humidity control and string replacement are necessary, but they are essential for reproducing the 18th-century tone.
• Some performers use synthetic gut-like strings.

Playing with gut strings on a Baroque cello offers a unique warm resonance, distinct from cellos with steel strings.

I asked ChatGPT4o: Isnʼt there a high risk of strings breaking when using gut strings in concerts?

Yes, there is indeed a higher risk of strings breaking when using gut strings in concerts. Especially with instruments like the 18th-century Baroque cello, which uses gut strings, performance issues are more likely to occur. Here are the reasons and how modern historical instrument performers address them.

Reasons Gut Strings Break Easily

1. Material Characteristics

• Gut strings are made from sheep intestine, making them less durable than modern steel or synthetic strings.
• Due to their fibrous nature, they are weak against friction and tension, making them prone to breaking with sudden tension changes.

2. Effects of Humidity and Temperature

• High humidity causes gut strings to expand, lowering the pitch.
• Dry conditions cause strings to contract, increasing tension, which can lead to breakage.
• Especially on stages with strong lighting, the environment can differ between rehearsals and performances, making string conditions unstable.

3. Strong Performance Load

• Forte or sudden dynamic changes can exert strong pressure on the strings, accelerating wear.
• Especially with frequent vibrato, A and D strings can deteriorate due to friction.

4. Peg Movement

• Baroque cellos lack modern fine tuners, requiring tuning with pegs.
• If the string slips suddenly during tuning, excessive tension can cause it to break.

Concert Countermeasures

Modern historical instrument performers using gut strings take the following measures.

1. Pre-Performance Preparation

• Do not install new strings just before the performance

  • Gut strings take several days to a week to stabilize after installation, so installing new strings just before a performance increases the risk of breakage.
  • Therefore, many performers replace strings a week before the concert to ensure they are well-settled.

• Stretch the strings well

  • Gut strings stretch easily after installation, so performers intentionally stretch them over several days to prevent sudden stretching during performances.

• Tune carefully

  • Avoid turning pegs suddenly and make slow adjustments.
  • If pegs slip easily, use chalk or specialized peg compound for stability.

2. Risk Management During Performance

• Always bring spare strings

  • A and D strings are particularly prone to breaking, so always have spares.
  • Wound G and C strings last longer, but spares are advisable.

• Frequently check tuning in the dressing room

  • Check string conditions not only before the performance but also during breaks, and adjust if they have loosened.
  • Temperature differences between the stage and dressing room can cause sudden changes in strings, so check tuning immediately after moving.

3. Response if Strings Break During Performance

• Replace strings immediately

  • Professional performers practice quick string replacement.
  • Quickly replace and retune during breaks or intermissions to continue the performance.

• Prepare a spare instrument

  • For important performances, some performers prepare a spare cello.
  • This is mainly done for recordings or large-scale performances.

Innovations by Modern Baroque Performers

Recently, more performers are choosing strings that maintain the gut string tone while improving durability and stability.

1. Use of Wound Gut Strings

• Using wound gut strings for lower strings (G and C) maintains the gut string tone while improving durability and stability.

2. Adoption of Synthetic Gut Strings

• For example, using strings like Pirastroʼs Passione or Eudoxa, which are "gut core + synthetic processing", can resist humidity changes while maintaining the gut string tone.

3. Hybrid Setting

• Combining gut strings for A and D, and steel strings for G and C balances tone and stability.
• This reduces the risk of string breakage compared to using complete gut strings.

Conclusion

While there is indeed a higher risk of strings breaking when using gut strings in concerts, professional performers take various measures.

• Thoroughly settle strings before performances and tune carefully.
• Bring spare strings and prepare for potential issues.
• Use wound gut strings or synthetic gut strings to improve stability.

Therefore, modern Baroque cello performers strive to reduce risks as much as possible while taking advantage of the beautiful tone of gut strings.

I told ChatGPT4o: Modern instruments seem to have a brighter tone.

Yes, modern cellos generally have a brighter and more resonant tone. This is due to differences in instrument structure, string types, and playing techniques. Below, I will explain in detail why modern cellos sound brighter.

1. Differences in Instrument Structure

(1) Neck Angle and Fingerboard Length

• Modern cellos have a steep neck angle and long fingerboard, increasing string tension.
  • → Result: Faster sound attack and a brighter, more powerful tone.
• 18th-century Baroque cellos have a shallow neck angle and short fingerboard, resulting in lower string tension and a softer sound.

(2) Size of the Bass Bar

• Modern cellos have a larger bass bar, enhancing bass resonance and producing a clearer sound.
• 18th-century cellos have a smaller bass bar, resulting in a more natural and softer tone.

(3) Presence of an Endpin

• Modern cellos have an endpin, allowing for stable support and greater volume.
• Baroque cellos lack an endpin, requiring support between the knees, resulting in less projection.
  • → Result: Modern cellos tend to have a brighter resonance.

2. Differences in Strings

(1) Modern Cellos: Steel or Synthetic Core Strings

• Steel strings have a fast sound attack and produce a clear, bright tone.
• Synthetic core strings (e.g., nylon) are more stable and often produce a sharper sound compared to gut strings.

(2) 18th-century Baroque Cellos: Gut Strings

• Gut strings, made from sheep intestine, have a soft tone and rich overtones, but are less bright than modern steel strings.
• They have strong friction and a slower sound attack, resulting in a softer sound impression.

(3) Differences in Tension

• Modern cello strings have higher tension, resulting in a clear and bright sound.
• Baroque cello strings have lower tension, producing a warm resonance.

3. Differences in Bows

(1) Modern Bows

• Use Tourte bows, designed to produce a more even sound.
• They apply even pressure to the strings, resulting in a bright and powerful sound.

(2) Baroque Bows

• The bow curve is reversed (bending outward), making it easier to vary pressure on the strings.
  • Result: Easier to add nuances, but the sound does not become too strong, resulting in a softer, warmer resonance.

4. Differences in Playing Techniques

(1) Use of Vibrato

• Modern cellos use vibrato almost constantly, adding brilliance to the sound.
• Baroque cellos use vibrato sparingly, resulting in a more subdued sound impression.

(2) Differences in Bowing

• Modern cellos aim for even sound production, often resulting in stronger bow pressure, leading to a clear and bright sound.
• Baroque cellos emphasize nuanced differences between down-bow and up-bow, resulting in a more natural, singing resonance.

5. Acoustics and Performance Environment

• Modern cellos are designed for use in large halls and orchestras, requiring a brighter sound that projects further.
• Baroque cellos have a sound suitable for court or small chamber music settings, resulting in a more subdued tone.

Conclusion

The brightness of modern cellos is due to the following factors:

Element	Modern Cello (Bright Sound)	Baroque Cello (Soft Sound)
Neck Angle	Steep → High tension	Shallow → Low tension
Strings	Steel strings → Clear and bright	Gut strings → Warm and soft
Bow	Tourte bow → Even sound	Baroque bow → Rich in nuances
Bass Bar	Large → Strong resonance	Small → Natural sound
Endpin	Present → Stable and bright sound	Absent → Soft sound
Vibrato	Used almost constantly	Used sparingly
Bowing	Even and strong	Emphasizes nuances

Modern cellos are designed to produce volume and projection, resulting in a bright and clear sound. In contrast, 18th-century cellos (Baroque cellos) are designed for chamber music and small spaces, resulting in a more delicate and warm tone.

I asked ChatGPT4o: The term "sentimental" is often used to describe the tone of cellos, but it seems more appropriate for historical instruments.

Indeed, the term "sentimental" is considered more appropriate for the tone of Baroque cellos and historical instruments. This can be explained from the perspectives of tone characteristics, playing styles, and historical background.

1. Why "Sentimental" is Suitable for Historical Instruments

(1) Softness and Delicacy of Tone

• The tone of Baroque cellos, with the combination of gut strings and Baroque bows, is more delicate and warm.
• The sound naturally decays, resulting in a fleeting and shaded resonance rather than the strong, uniform sound of modern cellos.
• It produces a more introspective and profound sound, making "sentimental" a fitting description.

(2) Natural Vibrato of Gut Strings

• Gut strings have subtle tonal fluctuations (intonation changes), resulting in a more emotionally charged resonance compared to modern steel strings.
• The tone has soft shading, often described as "sentimental."
• This is also linked to the historical "Empfindsamer Stil" (sensitive style) expression.

(3) Minimal Use of Vibrato

• Modern cellos frequently use vibrato, resulting in a uniform sound, while Baroque cellos often minimize vibrato to preserve the natural expression of the sound.
• This allows for more straightforward and introspective emotional expression, leading to a "sentimental" resonance.

(4) Influence of the Baroque Bow

• The Baroque bow allows for varying pressure on the strings, making it easier to add tonal shading to phrases.
• Differences in sound quality between down-bow and up-bow create natural phrasing, allowing for a more singing expression.
• As a result, a rich and sentimental atmosphere is created.

2. Why "Sentimental" is Less Used for Modern Cellos

(1) Brightness and Uniformity of Sound

• Modern cellos have a bright, uniform, and powerful tone, often giving an impression of grandeur, brilliance, and passion rather than "sentimental."
• Fast sound attack and strong attack capability contrast with the fleeting and introspective expression of Baroque cellos.

(2) String Stability

• Steel strings provide stable intonation and uniform resonance.
• However, uniform resonance makes it difficult to create the "momentary fleetingness" and "emotional fluctuation" characteristic of historical instruments, making "sentimental" impressions less likely.

(3) Frequent Use of Vibrato

• Modern cello techniques use vibrato almost constantly, smoothing the soundʼs contour and often losing the straightforward and introspective expression of historical instruments.
• The "sentimental" tone created by intentionally leaving "tremor" and "fleetingness" in Baroque cellos is less common in modern cellos.

(4) Strong Sound Pressure and Hall Resonance

• Modern cellos are designed for large hall performances, requiring volume and projection.
• As a result, they are designed to produce a clear sound that reaches far, differing from the delicate resonance suitable for chamber music.

3. Historical Background: The Era of "Sentimental" Music

(1) Connection with the 18th-Century "Empfindsamer Stil"

• The Empfindsamer Stil, developed in mid-18th-century Germany, emphasized delicate and introspective emotional expression.
• Composers like C. P. E. Bach and Friedrich Couperin incorporated improvisational and sentimental elements into their music.
• The tone of Baroque cellos is well-suited for expressing this "Empfindsamer Stil," resulting in a sentimental resonance.

(2) Differences from the 19th-Century Romantic Era

• In the 19th-century Romantic era, expressions became more passionate and dramatic rather than sentimental.
• Influenced by composers like Chopin and Liszt, denser tones and strong vibrato became mainstream, making "dramatic" a more fitting description than "sentimental".
• As a result, the term "sentimental" became more appropriate for the sound of 18th-century historical music than for the performance styles of the 19th century and beyond.

Conclusion

The term "sentimental" is more suitable for the tone of Baroque cellos and historical instruments.

• The soft and delicate sound of gut strings
• Natural phrasing with Baroque bows
• The fleetingness of sound due to restrained vibrato
• Improvisational and delicate expression suited to the "Empfindsamer Stil"

On the other hand, modern cellos have a bright, uniform sound with strong sound pressure, making expressions like "passionate" and "grand" more fitting. Therefore, the term "sentimental" is more appropriate for describing the delicate and introspective resonance of Baroque cellos and historical instruments.

I then asked ChatGPT the following question, and the answer is written in "Instruments Suitable for Cello Concerto in A Minor Wq. 170": The A minor Cello Concerto (Wq. 170) by C. P. E. Bach seems to be well-suited for sentimental historical instruments. Additionally, this work seems to best utilize the sentimental tone of the cello.

Site search by Google

Upper items

< Instruments