4 Comments

Dear Daniela,

thanks for your exciting article, I will ask Eliakim Boussoir for the new single wound basses. I’m looking for the nice combination with gut strings, because I need it for some concerts in September. The Aquila strings are to weak for my instrument (vibration length 41cm) by the pitch 415Hz. So I tried to get more tension with another bridge-position - now it it 42,7cm -, it works well. If, but, I can get the better condition with this single wound basses, it is possible to play with shorter vibration length. It will be more comfortable for my left hand...

I want to write you here about Antonii’s ricercatas. Is it the notation for the „partimenti“ ? You can find nice article by Wiki about partimenti (english version is better than another language) - one method for the improvisation with bassline as help-material. This facsimile seems one typical notation for partimenti, you (or your husband) can improve freely with this cello part, also with counterpoint. It is very interesting - you find some „motives“ by Antonii-Recercatas what you can find by Corelli (for instance, Concerti Grossi op.6).

This is just my guess, maybe the musicologists have other explanation...

I will try to make melodies for this recercatas, maybe :-)

best regards,

Chiharu

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Hi Chiharu, thanks for your comment! Yes, get in touch with Eliakim. For my cello da Spalla, on both of them actually (this is 40 cm, the other 43) I use 120 and 165 for A and D. They are a bit too big, but the smaller I had didn’t sound well for a reason or another. With those, I always used Eliakim’s basses. Single wound are a great find, especially for the historical implications, however, double wound strings are easier, so don’t refuse trying them also, they are so easy and powerful that they could just be a “nice to have” in the case should there be emergencies at the moment of the engagement.

Yes, I agree with you for the Degli Antonii. Notation at that time was not a “precise science” but more a sketch of what was to be. I didn’t dare adventuring in there as I don’t have enough experience. But especially the first recercate, look like they need something more. This one seemed to me the more complete in itself and was perfect for my purpose as it covers the whole range possible with the Wagner. There is no evidence (I think) that this music was written as partimenti, recercate should mean something more complete in itself, but I cannot see any argument against using it in this way.

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Dear Daniela,

thanks for your answer. This gauges are for A and D ? Maybe for E and A ..?

I have contacted Eliakim yesterday, have his twice wound strings already. He calculated for me the thickness of the strings, 98 for E and 140 for A. But I use 104-106 for E now. If you use the gauges, what you wrote, for E and A, it is really big. Maybe I can try with my Spalla.

Regards,

Chiharu

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Sorry!!! I still mistake the notes with the viola, aughhh!! Yes, I use 120 for E and 165 for A. But 112 and 160 or 155 were my first choice on the Badiarov model. This now are a bit too big.

Eliakim is very good in calculating sets, but if you are already used to bigger gauges, and you like them, just tell him. I think 104/106 it’s a good gauge.

So much depends on your right arm and your bow, and the height of the bridge… it is difficult to calculate things without seeing the instrument. So, to him, knowing what already works well for you will be of help to calculate a perfect set for you!

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