Sigiswald Kuijken and his shoulder cello

Two CDs from Sigiswald Kuijken, the cello suites and the violin sonatas and partitas.

 

Cello suites on 'shoulder cello'
Performer: Sigiswald Kuijken
Label: Accent 24196
Recorded: 12/4-7/2006 and 12/26-30/2007
Release Date: 2/24/2009

YouTube video: BWV 1007.1 Prelude
YouTube video: BWV 1007.3 Courante

 

 

Violin Sonatas and Partitas
Performer: Sigiswald Kuijken
Deutsche Harmonia Mundi 277527
Date: 05/16/2001

YouTube music: BWV 1006.1,2,3
YouTube music: BWV 1006.4,5,6

 

 

 

I spent hours and hours practicing in front of the mirror, which was my best teacher, better than any recording you make of yourself playing, because the sound is depressing. It’s better to open your ears, look in the mirror and see the position of your hand. Even today I tell students not to come to me but just go home and practice in front of the mirror. It’s the best teacher: it doesn’t shout at you, it’s always there, is not expensive, and is friendly and reliable. - Sigiswald Kuijken, on learning to play the violin

 

 

Here are recordings that will bring many hours of happiness. I put the music on my iPod and listen while I take my morning and evening constitutional, turning a rather boring walk into something to look forward to. The sound of the shoulder cello is very different from the standard cello; the sound decays faster so that there is not the sense of the notes overlapping, giving the pieces a lighter presence. This recording won't replace my Cello Suites by Yo-Yo Ma, but it does now stand side by side.

Kuijken had the instrument made as a 60th birthday present for himself; he then proceeded to learn the cello suites and prepare for this recording. It is so inspiring that he is seeking new challenges and adding constantly to his repertoire.

• NewOlde Kuijken Bach project
• Kuijken Bach Cantatas at Presto
• Sigiswald Kuijken discusses his Violoncello da Spalla (Dutch)
• Early Music World: An Interview with Sigiswald Kuijken
• La Petite Bande
• Review by Jens F. Laurson for WETA Washington DC public radio
• Dmitry Badiarov, luthier
• Dmitry Badiarov, playing his Violoncello da Spalla
• Dmitry Badiarov, talking about his Violoncello da Spalla
• Badiarov, click on Sounds on left column

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