What to play on violoncello da Spalla: Francesco Supriani
A virtuoso from 18th-century Naples leaves us a friendly method that we can use to gain confidence at our first steps.
At this link
we can find a method by Francesco Paolo Supriani (1678-1753), whose title translates: “Principles to learn to play the cello, with 12 solo Toccatas.”
From the preface by Raffaele Sorrentino:
This manuscript, preserved in the library of The Conservatory of Music San Pietro a Majella in Naples, is a method for cello from the 18th century by Francesco Supriani. He was active as a musician in the first half of ‘700.
He entered the conservatory Pietà dei Turchini in 1693 as a student, and Charles of Augsburg later hired him as a member of Real Capilla in Barcelona. Finally, he turned back to Naples, where he was established as virtuoso of violoncello in the Cappella Reale.
He left 12 sonatas (around 1720), preserved in the Library of The Conservatory in Naples as well but under the classification: sonatas for two cellos and bass, one symphony, one study with bass accompaniment and this method.
The method is articulated in a brief compendium of musical grammar, some introductory technical exercises with variations and 12 toccatas.
(…to follow, the description of the 12 toccatas)
Naples is not the cradle of violoncello da Spalla. On the contrary, it is where the gamba cello matured its technique. This work is considered innovative for its time, as it employs the tenor C clef and goes up to the fifth position.
I don’t want to question if this music was meant to be played da gamba or da spalla, but I suggest it a pleasant way to approach the first notes on the Spalla, aided by an 18th-century tutorial book. As the range of the preparatory exercises goes from C2 to A4, we go from our open C up to first string third finger.
The toccatas increase difficulty level progressively, but they are not particularly demanding: always featuring the range mentioned above, which is wide for a baroque cello but very comfortable for us.
Just a way to have fun using a period method that fits well on our instrument.
Updates from our workshop
We’re back home! We enjoyed a week in Holland, where the beach is long, wide and not packed even during this high-season period, and you can eat rollmops sandwiches watching the sunset.
We also visited some Violoncello da Spalla enthusiasts, sharing projects and ideas.
Featured video of the week
Enjoy the continuo played on a violoncello da Spalla in this recording from La Petite Bande in Osaka.
ps: Alessandro bought a traversiere flute!! no idea of how much time it will require for him to master it, but in case, we will have more music to share!!
I've watched that particular Brandenburg 5 at least 20 times now. I LOVE IT!!!