Tuesday, March 10, 2009

New cello!

This has taken me a long time, mostly because I had to make time to take pictures. The cello is astounding. I can't think of enough superlatives to describe it. Every person who has played it has the same reaction - utter amazement and absolute pleasure.

It is beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to listen to. The C-string has a clarity and power that I've never heard before from a cello. The upper registers are very pure and powerful. The sound is even throughout all of the strings.






Christopher Dungey made the cello. He recently made a cello for Lynn Harrell, who is performing regularly with his Dungey cello.

My cello is made from the same pattern as Lynn Harrell's Dungey cello. The body is the same as his 1720 Montagnana cello. It has a narrow top side to side and is has a much larger curve in the body than other cellos I have seen. The smaller size on top is much more comfortable to play, especially on the A string near the tip of the bow.

I feel like I've won the lottery of cellos, but, on the other hand, I put myself on Chris's waiting list over 4 years ago. It feels like investing in a new artist before the artist becomes famous. I was expecting a wonderful cello from Chris, but I think he has really surpassed himself with this cello and I feel pretty lucky to be the owner of it.

7 comments:

A. Hiscock said...

It's lovely! The grain on the scroll is exquisite. And I love the body shape; you can really see that the upper half is narrower. Congratulations!

gottagopractice said...

Very pretty. Love the flames.

I met a 2002 Dungey at my cello teachers' studio last weekend and loved the sound - big and warm, but with a good carrying edge to the tone. May yours give you many years of pleasure.

Marilee Rockley said...

Congratulations on your beautiful new cello! Wonderful patterning in the wood. I'd love to hear how it sounds.

CelloGeek said...

thank you everyone! I love how Chris melds science and art to create amazing instruments. His instruments seem to get better and better - I've played some of his earlier instruments and they are gorgeous - to see, to play,and to hear - and even he felt that this cello was exceptional.

CelloGirl said...

Congratulations!! How exciting! I want a new cello now ;-)

Maricello said...

Congratulations! I am so happy that you are so happy. Enjoy many happy hours of practicing and playing!

Perhaps you will be uploading a sound file or video soon. :-)

OhMyTrill said...

Chris is now working on my cello and it should be ready in June sometime!! I'm so excited!