I LOVE this sound, and the possibility of playing with less physical strain! If I were a few decades younger than my mid-70s, and not financially restricted by my fixed seniors' pension, I would most DEFINITELY have wanted to buy one of these mellow-voiced instruments, either along with or instead of my violin. I hope many of them find their way into ears, hearts, and concert-halls around the world.
This one is simply the most amazing instrument. Even a luthier can play without any practice, just imagine with a musician could do. In fact, there are tons of videos on YT.
Haha... Totally understood. The reason I enjoyed playing this instrument so much more than the violin... And then... there are gazillions of GREAT violinists, so why to compete and make one's life harder. For myself this worked great.
I sometimes play the viola like a guitar. I made a simple strap for it so I can hang it from my shoulders comfortably in front of me and if you attach the shoulder support behind it, it feels just as comfortable as playing the nyckelharpa.
As Spock would say, "Fascinating." The violin used to be played against the chest rather than the neck. Fiddlers today sometimes play that way. I play viola da gamba (treble, alto, tenor and bass) and am now learning viola and cello.
I realise this was posted some time ago but thank you for putting this online Dmitry. I am just starting to play Violoncello da Spalla (not yet one of yours, but give me time!) and this was very helpful in terms of left arm/hand and playing position. Beautiful sound.
It seems this has baroque-style strings (probably gut) and bow, and is possibly constructed in an older-fashioned manner (ie, maybe a shallower fingerboard angle), and of course tuned an octave low for a viola part. But considering how we always hear that violas are "too small" for their range, compared to violins and cellos, and involve some amount of strain to play even then, it's an interesting idea: what would an orchestra full of modern versions of these in viola tuning sound like?
Violonists and violanists also could play their instruments this way. The public health system could safe millions and army of half invalid string musicians wouldn't be traumatized. To play a classic guitar with strap also could prevent thousands of guitarists to become client of physiotherapists. Unfortunately only a tiny minority is following these new school.
Yes, maybe you're right. I don't know anything about your orchestra. But if you played the VDS, by now you would have not 3 but thousands of subs and maybe even had your own ensemble? Or the more open-minded orchestras would be inviting you from all around the world? Magical things happen. Just an opinion, in exchange for your opinion. Thank you!
But then the question is: is it a viola or a cello, since it is the precursor to the modern cello, I think orchestral cellists everywhere will feel threatened by violists playing the VDS. That’s reason enough for me to try it! 😁
It's beautiful but never did I think, about the natural posture . I find this clip very helpful, not just in information, but in many other ways of understanding the chello family instruments.
Hi! A very interesting video! I play the viola as my main instrument and the violin as my second instrument. I really love playing the viola. (I consider it the best instrument to play in my opinion and really recommend people that normally plays the violin to try out the viola.) And I got really interested in trying to play the violoncello da spalla. I hope that I'll get the chance to try it out one day :)
GIMME!! xD I've owned a viola for 20 years, love it to pieces, but omg it's physically kind of a pill to play compared to my new violin, but this would be even more fun
The funny thing is, a long time ago I had a concert with a renaissance violin band. The shortest man in the band happened to play the biggest viola. Since he could not hold it the normal way, he strapped it up. It certainly works for early music.
Muy interesante, muchas gracias. Realmente, nada es anti natural. Creo que a veces tenemos un standard en la cabeza, y decidimos que algo es natural o no lo es. Pero el ser humano puede hacer muchas cosas. El violonchelo da spalla podría parecer anti natural, pero estoy de acuerdo contigo, es lo más natural del mundo. Estoy pensando comprar uno 😉
Wow, this sounds (and looks) amazing! I find it very interesting to learn about these early string instruments. I just started playing viola this week (after playing the violin for 2 years) and my neck and back start to hurt after a few minutes already so this looks just ideal! And I really love the sound of it! And reading the video description I was surprised to read you are based in The Hague. I live in The Netherlands too, so if I'm ever im the area I definitely want to take a look in your workshop! 😉
Wow, nice meeting you Marijke! Yeah, sure, just call me to make an appointment when you're in The Hague! Would it be not amazing if you could just give the real thing a try at my workshop!?
Hi, Mr. Badiarov! Great instrument, beautifully crafted! Congratulations! I'm in love with viola da spalla since I watched Mr. Kuijken playing Bach suites here in Brazil many years ago and had a masterclass with him, at an early music festival. I play violin, viola and cello, so this was love at first sight! I hope may I get there in Hague to try myself one of these wonderful instruments and, luckily, can buy one. God bless! Rodrigo Furman (composer and conductor, from Rio de Janeiro - Brazil).
Nice. The good news is, there are postal services which ship instruments globally, so traveling to The Hague is not necessary. Although, it's a wonderful city and a wonderful country worth visiting anyway.
Very interesting! The viola da spalla doesn't look that much longer than a conventional viola. I am wondering if a player with the right physique could play it thus? On the other hand,those massive violas made in the 16th&17th centuries(many long since reduced in size) when people were small could well have been played vla da spalla fashion,or maybe cello fashion. Who knows? It was a long time ago..... 5 stringed instruments. What became of the 5 string viola which Francesco Borghi made for Nicolo' Paganini? I am trying to trace it.
Very good remarks Simon. Thank you. I don't know what you mean by a player with the right physique. Tenor violas were sometimes larger than the spalla (though always with shallower ribs) and some could have been played in the normal viola (da spalla) fashion, some could have been played vertically, I don't see why not. Here is a video where you can see three players with totally different physiques. th-cam.com/video/HEbkxYfk0Go/w-d-xo.html Sorry, I don't know what became of Borghi's viola. Why is it important for you?
Badiarov Violins - Fine Custom Made Violins by violin maker Dmitry Badiarov Because Paganini wrote his Sonata per la Gran Viola with that instrument in mind. However,What happened to the Borghi instrument is anybody's guess. I am open to the possibility that it was converted into a conventional 4 string viola and 'got lost in the crowd'. Much of the Pag sonata is virtually unplayable on a 4 string viola thus changes have to be made. I speak from experience...
Badiarov Violins - Fine Custom Made Violins by violin maker Dmitry Badiarov Yes. Some passages take us too high up on the A string for safety,therefore we have to go an octave lower.
I actually play the violin in the position of the violoncello da spalla. I have a string that goes around my neck to hold it up, a string that wraps around my rib cage and holds onto the tail end of the violin to keep the violin’s back end pulled towards my chest, and a folded cushion under the violin body to push the neck at an angle outward. The neck is slanted down a bit. I hold the bow a little higher than the frog but not a huge amount, and my fingers hold it more at an angle to facilitate the full range of the bow. This has made violin playing a joy, and the left hand has to do very little change when moving anywhere on the fingerboard. It seems like this should be the position everyone learns to play in. But I’m also biased because I have 10 years of guitar experience that this position takes advantage of! Psychologically it feels more like playing a guitar that sings in a higher range, rather than playing a violin.
the thing is the production of viola is all industrialized and streamlined, so that we can buy beginner-level ones at low price. But Violoncello Da Spalla is still man-crafted and not affordable for most people I guess. In china, I don't even know where to try on.
Whenever rock or metal bands decide they require cello, they should always insist upon de spalla because of the standing guitar-like posture, rather than the stationary seated modern cello posture. Much more dynamic and energetic. Less like a drummer. Nobody even likes drummers anyway.
The violoncello da spalla has such a rich tone and really brings out the beauty of the middle register that the viola really can't do justice to. I have lots of pain playing the viola and I think this instrument is wonderful in terms of playing posture, too.
My Name is V.S.Narasimhan. After watching your Video, I am very much inspired to play Violoncello Da Spalla. I am a violinist, I play both Indian Classical & Western Classical Music and I live in Southern Part of India, the City known as Chennai. How can I get a Violoncello Da Spalla? Regards, Narasimhan
Awesome! Already a few musicians in India enquired about this instrument, hopefully soon there will be a Carnatic one too!! I will come to take lessons!
@@badiarov Hi Dmitry, Im just waiting for your answer , through wassap we have talked just a few days ago , Got my viola photo? were the data correct? I got one more question ; Do you make bows ? I mean the bows which could strike the four strings (or five)at once , the ones who look like real bows...
@@Paul_demian Oh I see. You've sent me the wrong measurements. What I need to know is the distance between the fingerboard and the top of your viola at the neck overstand. Typically it is about 7mm. Do you see what I mean? That's where you put your 3rd finger on the a-string to play f#. How thick should be the belt to fit in that space under the fingerboard? On a viola da spalla it is 5 to 7mm.
Very nice and interesting video : I'm wondering if a common 1\8 violoncello could adeguately be used by and adult as a violoncello da spalla...do you think It could work?? Thank you maestro!!
Very interesting! I have 19 a 20 inch masterbuilt tenor violas and play them in normal posture having my own height 165 cm) standard 41 cm viola feels like a toy after these monsters. Da spalla should be much more comfortable and playable!
I understand that this has been approached as an historical instrument, but I wonder how different it sounds if played with a modern bow and modern style strings? And are there other differences between this vs how it might be constructed in a more modern style? (Neck/fingerboard angle and bridge height?) Also, we always hear that the viola is inherently "too small" for its tuning, compared to a violin or cello. This instrument has a bit longer string length, and a considerably larger body (especially in depth) than a viola, without compromising the comfort of playing position. What would this sound like with viola tuning? (That is, an octave up from its usual tuning. The interesting question then would be: should the 5th string be a fifth higher than the highest viola string, or a fifth lower than the lowest? Higher would make viola playing easier by extending the range up without needing high playing positions, but lower would take advantage of the rich lower range of the instrument.)
Hi Dimitri have you tried to make da spalla with the same shape of the wide dimension of Montagnana's Cello? We know that Stradivari make slimmer and long shaped cello which I think has correlation for it being brighter and lesser bass on lower registers. I wonder if Montagnana's approach of having wider upper, lower, and c bouts would give more bass for da spalla.. Do you use lighter Slab cut maple for the back plate?
Hi! I am a lover of all things cello. Do you know of any luthiers who make violoncello da spallas in the US? I would love to buy one some day. I can't imagine they're much different than the violoncello.
I wonder two things. Since the best solution to comfortably play a large viola with good projection is to be two meters tall, Could a small violist play the largest viola he can find if it is hung cello da spalla style? Would anyone take it seriously if he did?
She is not 2m tall. th-cam.com/video/4OReioVqaDY/w-d-xo.html And, as a great violin maker Eric Aceto says, "Don't worry about what the world thinks. Do what lights you up, because that opens up limitless opportunities".
Hello! What is your opinion about the physics behind those instruments? The very high notes of the violin does not resonate with me and hurts my head, but a common cello is too dark. So I got interested into violas. But for me they sound too dull. How is it with the violoncello da spalla? Does it resonate better with the size of its body? Would be glad for an answer and thank you so much for the very good video! Greetings from Germany :-)
дима мне приятно слышать то что в конце видео играет гавот второй из шестой сюиты баха а так инструмент реально классный я виолончелист просто мечтаю поиграть на такой штуке)))
Is there any downside to using the strap for a Viola specifically one of the larger type that would be tuned like a Cello, aka Chincello? Also, I'm curious what size Viola is in the video, I'm trying to gauge the size of the violoncello da spalla you used to demonstrate the strap method?
I don’t know my man. It looks pretty big. I have played the violin for 6 years, and the viola for about 2 weeks. I have also dabbled in the cello. The viola is so natural for me. It feels the best and gives the most wonderful sound. Yes this instrument has an amazing sound (as the cello is my favorite instrument. The deeper, the better), but i cannot see myself with it in that position as it looks heavy. I already have a weak back and arms as it is. I get tired after even playing the cello for 30 minutes. Viola/violin I could play for hours, but i don’t know about combining the two
I have never heard of this instrument. What music is written for it, how is it tuned, and how difficult is it to find strings for it? Thanks, very interesting.
Great question! Thank you! You're such a sweet person! It is called Violoncello da spalla, baroque composers called it simply Violoncello, though an incredible number of other terms exist. Getting strings is really easy. Simply buy them from Thomastic or Aquila Corde or Sensicore, and I believe there will be more and more and more string makers admitting that it IS possible to make fractional cello strings with professional quality sound. Cello playing kids would be so happy. And it's nice when children are happy, isn't it?
it is easier for cello player to switch to cello da spalla, because the fingering positions are the same. I can play cello da spalla within 1 week (I play both cello + violin before that)
Long ago we played a concert of renaissance music. The viola player was so tiny and his instrument was so huge that there was no way for him to play it in any other way, but suspended on a strap.
@@badiarov Many thanks for you reply. I tried making a strap for my Viola. Just something very basic to try but with a regular size Viola it didnt work cause in order for the Viola to be resting against your chin the strap needs to be too short which gives a very small space to get the head into. Anyway, if you have any suggestions to make it work. I would be glad to try. Many thanks and regards from Argentina.
Dimitry!! how much would you sell that for a beginner? is it confusing to read the bass clef that way?? because my body got used to the sight reading the treble clef with the violin, and when i tried to play my violin upright like a cello, I automatically do the fingerings of the cello and read the notes as if they were in bass clef.
not really i regret buying violin, I just love the sound those instruments, more warm and calming :) if i had discovered these instruments first before buying violin i would definitely buy one of them😄 But i still don't hate my baby violin 💖💖💖
It is tuned just like a cello, with the addition of a top E string (which overlaps well into viola range). The sound of course is not as full as an actual cello since the body is so much smaller and the string length shorter.
HMG I always have some questions when I listened violins family. Violin sounds high is really not comfortable for listening long time. It's sounds like violins saying: "I'm almost broke! Almost broken"!! Cello sound high it's "no sonorite" ...and deep sound in codes C that really not correct Doubles bass... it makes for sound deep only. Lot of time we don't care about him. It somethings like bass drum and Timpni... Finally Viola is the best sound. But it's hard to play to control also position is not comfortable and naturally. 1 years ago I saw the person who play this instruments. The sound is like tenor violins best sound and range that I like in this family. Sound warm and comfortable. Person when he playing can be practice long time as possible and no pain.
If you play both violin and viola it might be more comfortable for you to have the viola a little smaller. Small violas were more common when the strictly narrow specialisation "violinists", "violists" wasn't yet the standard and musicians played more than one instrument.
It's tuned an octave lower than a viola (though with the additional high 5th string, it has considerable overlap in range). It's more a replacement for a cello (bottom strings are tuned exactly the same), with a lighter sound. The 5th string allows easy playing of pieces like Bach's 6th suite, which are very difficult otherwise.
I LOVE this sound, and the possibility of playing with less physical strain! If I were a few decades younger than my mid-70s, and not financially restricted by my fixed seniors' pension, I would most DEFINITELY have wanted to buy one of these mellow-voiced instruments, either along with or instead of my violin. I hope many of them find their way into ears, hearts, and concert-halls around the world.
This one is simply the most amazing instrument. Even a luthier can play without any practice, just imagine with a musician could do. In fact, there are tons of videos on YT.
I cant listening to high violin notes my head cracks! So this was a pleasant surprise! Thankyou.
Haha... Totally understood. The reason I enjoyed playing this instrument so much more than the violin... And then... there are gazillions of GREAT violinists, so why to compete and make one's life harder. For myself this worked great.
I agree. violins are the most conformist instruments in existance :) when choosing for violin then AT LEAST go for baroque violin.
What a cool video. Good presentation
Glad you liked it!
I sometimes play the viola like a guitar. I made a simple strap for it so I can hang it from my shoulders comfortably in front of me and if you attach the shoulder support behind it, it feels just as comfortable as playing the nyckelharpa.
I play cello but had never seen or heard a violoncello da spalla! Thank you for the demo.
Great!
I really want one of those instruments.
Great. Is there anything you want me to do?
As Spock would say, "Fascinating." The violin used to be played against the chest rather than the neck. Fiddlers today sometimes play that way. I play viola da gamba (treble, alto, tenor and bass) and am now learning viola and cello.
I realise this was posted some time ago but thank you for putting this online Dmitry. I am just starting to play Violoncello da Spalla (not yet one of yours, but give me time!) and this was very helpful in terms of left arm/hand and playing position. Beautiful sound.
I would love to play that style viola but I doubt I would be accepted by my orchestra.
It seems this has baroque-style strings (probably gut) and bow, and is possibly constructed in an older-fashioned manner (ie, maybe a shallower fingerboard angle), and of course tuned an octave low for a viola part. But considering how we always hear that violas are "too small" for their range, compared to violins and cellos, and involve some amount of strain to play even then, it's an interesting idea: what would an orchestra full of modern versions of these in viola tuning sound like?
Violonists and violanists also could play their instruments this way. The public health system could safe millions and army of half invalid string musicians wouldn't be traumatized.
To play a classic guitar with strap also could prevent thousands of guitarists to become client of physiotherapists.
Unfortunately only a tiny minority is following these new school.
Yes, maybe you're right. I don't know anything about your orchestra. But if you played the VDS, by now you would have not 3 but thousands of subs and maybe even had your own ensemble? Or the more open-minded orchestras would be inviting you from all around the world? Magical things happen. Just an opinion, in exchange for your opinion. Thank you!
But then the question is: is it a viola or a cello, since it is the precursor to the modern cello, I think orchestral cellists everywhere will feel threatened by violists playing the VDS. That’s reason enough for me to try it! 😁
What a great instruments!
Thank you for creating this magic!!!
Thank you!!
Afnar gitara
It's beautiful but never did I think, about the natural posture . I find this clip very helpful, not just in information, but in many other ways of understanding the chello family instruments.
Glad it was helpful!
I play viola and I’d love to learn this instrument... the sound is so beautiful
Should be quite easy for you!
I also play the viola, where can I get my hands on a fine Violoncello Da Spalla in the US?
Thanks for this help wich answer my question about pain using moderne cello; i look for this resolution.🙂
Happy to help
Hi!
A very interesting video! I play the viola as my main instrument and the violin as my second instrument. I really love playing the viola. (I consider it the best instrument to play in my opinion and really recommend people that normally plays the violin to try out the viola.) And I got really interested in trying to play the violoncello da spalla. I hope that I'll get the chance to try it out one day :)
Yes, give it a try!
Love the way you play Dmitry. Seems easier too!
Hey, thanks!
GIMME!! xD I've owned a viola for 20 years, love it to pieces, but omg it's physically kind of a pill to play compared to my new violin, but this would be even more fun
yes, it's fun!
Would love to try one someday
Give it a go!
your english is so perfect, I’m jealous
Oh, not at all, but I can get along. Thank you!
Dmitri, how about playing the viola with a strap like that?
I knew a player who played in a renaissance band with a strap like that.
The funny thing is, a long time ago I had a concert with a renaissance violin band. The shortest man in the band happened to play the biggest viola. Since he could not hold it the normal way, he strapped it up. It certainly works for early music.
Some of the big violas in the Versailles orchestra - the Vingt-quatre Violons du Roi - were indeed played using a strap.
Muy interesante, muchas gracias.
Realmente, nada es anti natural. Creo que a veces tenemos un standard en la cabeza, y decidimos que algo es natural o no lo es. Pero el ser humano puede hacer muchas cosas. El violonchelo da spalla podría parecer anti natural, pero estoy de acuerdo contigo, es lo más natural del mundo. Estoy pensando comprar uno 😉
Love it.
Thanks.
I would love to see the making of the violoncello in action. :)
The finish on your viola is beautiful. I used to play viola many years ago. The Violoncello Da Spalla is something I just found out about.
Wow, this sounds (and looks) amazing! I find it very interesting to learn about these early string instruments. I just started playing viola this week (after playing the violin for 2 years) and my neck and back start to hurt after a few minutes already so this looks just ideal! And I really love the sound of it! And reading the video description I was surprised to read you are based in The Hague. I live in The Netherlands too, so if I'm ever im the area I definitely want to take a look in your workshop! 😉
Wow, nice meeting you Marijke! Yeah, sure, just call me to make an appointment when you're in The Hague! Would it be not amazing if you could just give the real thing a try at my workshop!?
Thank you! Yes, I'd love to have a go at the violoncello da spalla! It looks very comfortable to play. Who knows. 😊
Lovely instrument! Never seen one before.
Hi, Mr. Badiarov! Great instrument, beautifully crafted! Congratulations! I'm in love with viola da spalla since I watched Mr. Kuijken playing Bach suites here in Brazil many years ago and had a masterclass with him, at an early music festival. I play violin, viola and cello, so this was love at first sight! I hope may I get there in Hague to try myself one of these wonderful instruments and, luckily, can buy one. God bless! Rodrigo Furman (composer and conductor, from Rio de Janeiro - Brazil).
Nice. The good news is, there are postal services which ship instruments globally, so traveling to The Hague is not necessary. Although, it's a wonderful city and a wonderful country worth visiting anyway.
Very interesting! The viola da spalla doesn't look that much longer than a conventional viola. I am wondering if a player with the right physique could play it thus?
On the other hand,those massive violas made in the 16th&17th centuries(many long since reduced in size) when people were small could well have been played vla da spalla fashion,or maybe cello fashion. Who knows? It was a long time ago.....
5 stringed instruments. What became of the 5 string viola which Francesco Borghi made for Nicolo' Paganini? I am trying to trace it.
Very good remarks Simon. Thank you. I don't know what you mean by a player with the right physique. Tenor violas were sometimes larger than the spalla (though always with shallower ribs) and some could have been played in the normal viola (da spalla) fashion, some could have been played vertically, I don't see why not. Here is a video where you can see three players with totally different physiques. th-cam.com/video/HEbkxYfk0Go/w-d-xo.html Sorry, I don't know what became of Borghi's viola. Why is it important for you?
Badiarov Violins - Fine Custom Made Violins by violin maker Dmitry Badiarov Because Paganini wrote his Sonata per la Gran Viola with that instrument in mind. However,What happened to the Borghi instrument is anybody's guess. I am open to the possibility that it was converted into a conventional 4 string viola and 'got lost in the crowd'.
Much of the Pag sonata is virtually unplayable on a 4 string viola thus changes have to be made. I speak from experience...
@@simonscott5427 Amazingly interesting ! So do the viola players make an arrangement / adaptation of the unplayable passages?
Badiarov Violins - Fine Custom Made Violins by violin maker Dmitry Badiarov Yes. Some passages take us too high up on the A string for safety,therefore we have to go an octave lower.
By the way,Have you ever made a copy of the Cannone with the set up that Paganini had. I.e.his style of bridge,gut strings and fingerboard?
I actually play the violin in the position of the violoncello da spalla. I have a string that goes around my neck to hold it up, a string that wraps around my rib cage and holds onto the tail end of the violin to keep the violin’s back end pulled towards my chest, and a folded cushion under the violin body to push the neck at an angle outward. The neck is slanted down a bit. I hold the bow a little higher than the frog but not a huge amount, and my fingers hold it more at an angle to facilitate the full range of the bow.
This has made violin playing a joy, and the left hand has to do very little change when moving anywhere on the fingerboard. It seems like this should be the position everyone learns to play in. But I’m also biased because I have 10 years of guitar experience that this position takes advantage of! Psychologically it feels more like playing a guitar that sings in a higher range, rather than playing a violin.
Thankyou for this useful insight!
Can I just get a 1/4 size cello and takeout the endpin?
Closer to 1/8 size. Replace the end pin with a button for a 4 string violoncello. I'm tempted to try myself ;)
@@edgarwalk5637 I ordered a custom made ⅛ cello, with 5 strings C-G-D-A-E. The playing experience is wonderful.
You got a point
the thing is the production of viola is all industrialized and streamlined, so that we can buy beginner-level ones at low price. But Violoncello Da Spalla is still man-crafted and not affordable for most people I guess. In china, I don't even know where to try on.
It really depends on what you want: goals, value you want to give, get back.
amazing, I haft a violin, and Just got a viol d amor, dit iz da first ive Heard of a violcello de spala
Do you speak a dialect?
very interesting! Great work!
Thanks!
The Violoncello da Spalla has the same fingerings as the Violin & Viola but it's worn on a Strap.
You are absolutely right.
@@badiarov The other nice thing is that w/ the 5 strings, it can also play Violin music, but it'll sound an Octave lower than written.
Whenever rock or metal bands decide they require cello, they should always insist upon de spalla because of the standing guitar-like posture, rather than the stationary seated modern cello posture. Much more dynamic and energetic. Less like a drummer. Nobody even likes drummers anyway.
The violoncello da spalla has such a rich tone and really brings out the beauty of the middle register that the viola really can't do justice to. I have lots of pain playing the viola and I think this instrument is wonderful in terms of playing posture, too.
My Name is V.S.Narasimhan. After watching your Video, I am very much inspired to play Violoncello Da Spalla. I am a violinist, I play both Indian Classical & Western Classical Music and I live in Southern Part of India, the City known as Chennai.
How can I get a Violoncello Da Spalla?
Regards,
Narasimhan
Awesome! Already a few musicians in India enquired about this instrument, hopefully soon there will be a Carnatic one too!! I will come to take lessons!
Great video. But what is the tuning of violoncello da spalla?
My cello da spalla is tuned to cello: C-G-D-A+E, yes I added a special E string so I can reach higher notes.
Awesome Dimitri I play viola and as you can guess my question is...
Thanks Paul. It must be a great question, but I am not sure what it is.
@@badiarov Hi Dmitry, Im just waiting for your answer , through wassap we have talked just a few days ago , Got my viola photo? were the data correct? I got one more question ; Do you make bows ? I mean the bows which could strike the four strings (or five)at once , the ones who look like real bows...
@@Paul_demian Oh I see. You've sent me the wrong measurements. What I need to know is the distance between the fingerboard and the top of your viola at the neck overstand. Typically it is about 7mm. Do you see what I mean? That's where you put your 3rd finger on the a-string to play f#. How thick should be the belt to fit in that space under the fingerboard? On a viola da spalla it is 5 to 7mm.
Let's continue on whatsapp.
Very nice and interesting video : I'm wondering if a common 1\8 violoncello could adeguately be used by and adult as a violoncello da spalla...do you think It could work?? Thank you maestro!!
Just give it a try and see if it works for you. Thank you.
Very interesting! I have 19 a 20 inch masterbuilt tenor violas and play them in normal posture having my own height 165 cm) standard 41 cm viola feels like a toy after these monsters. Da spalla should be much more comfortable and playable!
Sounds great!
I understand that this has been approached as an historical instrument, but I wonder how different it sounds if played with a modern bow and modern style strings? And are there other differences between this vs how it might be constructed in a more modern style? (Neck/fingerboard angle and bridge height?)
Also, we always hear that the viola is inherently "too small" for its tuning, compared to a violin or cello. This instrument has a bit longer string length, and a considerably larger body (especially in depth) than a viola, without compromising the comfort of playing position. What would this sound like with viola tuning? (That is, an octave up from its usual tuning. The interesting question then would be: should the 5th string be a fifth higher than the highest viola string, or a fifth lower than the lowest? Higher would make viola playing easier by extending the range up without needing high playing positions, but lower would take advantage of the rich lower range of the instrument.)
The modern bow does not work very well on this instrument, but some players might have a completely different opinion.
So how can I get a violoncello da spalla
I can't find one on Amazon.
🤣🤣🤣
Lol you won't find them there.
Hi Dimitri have you tried to make da spalla with the same shape of the wide dimension of Montagnana's Cello? We know that Stradivari make slimmer and long shaped cello which I think has correlation for it being brighter and lesser bass on lower registers.
I wonder if Montagnana's approach of having wider upper, lower, and c bouts would give more bass for da spalla..
Do you use lighter Slab cut maple for the back plate?
Hi! I am a lover of all things cello. Do you know of any luthiers who make violoncello da spallas in the US? I would love to buy one some day. I can't imagine they're much different than the violoncello.
I wonder two things. Since the best solution to comfortably play a large viola with good projection is to be two meters tall,
Could a small violist play the largest viola he can find if it is hung cello da spalla style?
Would anyone take it seriously if he did?
She is not 2m tall. th-cam.com/video/4OReioVqaDY/w-d-xo.html And, as a great violin maker Eric Aceto says, "Don't worry about what the world thinks. Do what lights you up, because that opens up limitless opportunities".
Hello! What is your opinion about the physics behind those instruments? The very high notes of the violin does not resonate with me and hurts my head, but a common cello is too dark. So I got interested into violas. But for me they sound too dull. How is it with the violoncello da spalla? Does it resonate better with the size of its body?
Would be glad for an answer and thank you so much for the very good video! Greetings from Germany :-)
Just chose what makes you feel good :)
Hello. What is the tuning for the violoncello da spalla? Aside from the obvious additional string, that is.
From the lowest to the highest - C G D A E. Almost as a normal cello, but with the addition of an E.
Tune to cello: C-G-D-A-E
дима мне приятно слышать то что в конце видео играет гавот второй из шестой сюиты баха а так инструмент реально классный я виолончелист просто мечтаю поиграть на такой штуке)))
Огромное спасибо! Очень приятно. Да, штука классная, и очень приятно на ней играть. Кстати, она классно звучит в комбинации с большой виолончелью.
@@badiarov примерно за сколько я смогу на ней научиться играть если я виолончелист?
Hands down: the spalla is way cooler than the viola and cello combined!
Is there any downside to using the strap for a Viola specifically one of the larger type that would be tuned like a Cello, aka Chincello? Also, I'm curious what size Viola is in the video, I'm trying to gauge the size of the violoncello da spalla you used to demonstrate the strap method?
Why not. Just give it a try with a strap.
Never seen a violacello before
Now you did. Congrats!
any suggestions for other more natural positions to play viola?
ВАУ!
:-)
I don’t know my man. It looks pretty big. I have played the violin for 6 years, and the viola for about 2 weeks. I have also dabbled in the cello. The viola is so natural for me. It feels the best and gives the most wonderful sound. Yes this instrument has an amazing sound (as the cello is my favorite instrument. The deeper, the better), but i cannot see myself with it in that position as it looks heavy. I already have a weak back and arms as it is. I get tired after even playing the cello for 30 minutes. Viola/violin I could play for hours, but i don’t know about combining the two
The violincello da spalla is an octave lower than the 5 string violin.
I have never heard of this instrument. What music is written for it, how is it tuned, and how difficult is it to find strings for it? Thanks, very interesting.
Great question! Thank you! You're such a sweet person! It is called Violoncello da spalla, baroque composers called it simply Violoncello, though an incredible number of other terms exist. Getting strings is really easy. Simply buy them from Thomastic or Aquila Corde or Sensicore, and I believe there will be more and more and more string makers admitting that it IS possible to make fractional cello strings with professional quality sound. Cello playing kids would be so happy. And it's nice when children are happy, isn't it?
@@badiarov So, it really is an arm cello. I'm a violist. So, could I play it?
@@Lepewhi Of course you could.
@@badiarov But, read bass clef instead of alto. I can read - bass, but it's not natural for me. But, why not? Thanks. This is very interesting.
I cant find someone selling near my place 😊😊
Dmitry owner of this channel makes them ask him
How would it be to 5-string a regular sized cello? I hear some saying it is hard to get a good sound from it, but Im in doubt
Or why not imitate the viola d'amore and make a violoncell d'amore. 5 play-strings (e on top) and 5 resonance-strings
I see a little tolemo on a desk, scaramouche, scaramouche can you play a violincello!
Badiarov Violins: Violoncello da Spalla
Subtítulos: Village oldest Problem.
Which string you put in?..can be "normal" and play with normal bow?
for my cello da spalla, I use cello ¼ strings plus a special cello E string. I use a normal cello bow.
I wonder if he made this but with a thinner body how it woukd sound
Is it easier to learn to play the Violoncello da Spalla after learning to play the viola or after learning to play the modern Violoncello?
it is easier for cello player to switch to cello da spalla, because the fingering positions are the same. I can play cello da spalla within 1 week (I play both cello + violin before that)
Nice info. Could it be possible to play a regular Viola in the way the Cello da spalla is played. I mean using a strap???
Long ago we played a concert of renaissance music. The viola player was so tiny and his instrument was so huge that there was no way for him to play it in any other way, but suspended on a strap.
@@badiarov Many thanks for you reply. I tried making a strap for my Viola. Just something very basic to try but with a regular size Viola it didnt work cause in order for the Viola to be resting against your chin the strap needs to be too short which gives a very small space to get the head into. Anyway, if you have any suggestions to make it work. I would be glad to try. Many thanks and regards from Argentina.
@@malcolmjohnstone9770 There must be a way.
@@badiarov will keep on looking into it then. Many thanks !!!!!
How much would this cost? I really want one that's affordable...
Dimitry!! how much would you sell that for a beginner?
is it confusing to read the bass clef that way?? because my body got used to the sight reading the treble clef with the violin, and when i tried to play my violin upright like a cello, I automatically do the fingerings of the cello and read the notes as if they were in bass clef.
You need to re-learn to play like cello reading base claf
I love that thing. Violin is too high pitched for me to listen to. It just does not record well in my opinion.
But how high??? How to determine the right posture for you!!! ???
It's pretty simple: just where it stays naturally stable without any strain or discomfort.
Where can I buy a violoncello da spalla?
On the internet.
Arent things like spiccato or upbow staccato almost impossible when you dont have the gravity for the bow ?
No, staccato can be played without gravity. I don't have issue playing staccato on my cello da spalla.
I wish I had discovered this instrument before buying violin
It's never to late :) They actually combine nicely. What did you like in this instrument that makes you feel regretting buying a violin?
not really i regret buying violin, I just love the sound those instruments, more warm and calming :) if i had discovered these instruments first before buying violin i would definitely buy one of them😄 But i still don't hate my baby violin 💖💖💖
What if I play a 1/8 "modern" cello as a cello da spalla?
Sure.
@@badiarov , thank you!
Oh God I have to have one.. So its range is exactly the same?
It is tuned just like a cello, with the addition of a top E string (which overlaps well into viola range). The sound of course is not as full as an actual cello since the body is so much smaller and the string length shorter.
WHERE CAN I GET THIS! :)))
And now imagine that someone play the violonchello da spalla in the way Lindsey Stirling. Would it be popular?
Where can I buy a cello daspalla? or viola daspalla.
The two places I have seen so far are Mr. Badiarov (whose TH-cam channel this is) and D. Rickert near Atlanta.
HMG
I always have some questions when I listened violins family.
Violin sounds high is really not comfortable for listening long time. It's sounds like violins saying: "I'm almost broke! Almost broken"!!
Cello sound high it's "no sonorite" ...and deep sound in codes C that really not correct
Doubles bass... it makes for sound deep only. Lot of time we don't care about him. It somethings like bass drum and Timpni...
Finally Viola is the best sound. But it's hard to play to control also position is not comfortable and naturally.
1 years ago I saw the person who play this instruments. The sound is like tenor violins best sound and range that I like in this family.
Sound warm and comfortable. Person when he playing can be practice long time as possible and no pain.
What about when you're in those high positions towards the end of the fingerboard?
I donno... Never tried. You get paid on this instrument better than on the violin even without going to those high positions.
@ Dmitry Badiarov
Come on, you gotta show us the hidden power of that E string someday! 😅
Maybe this can help? One of my clients on the instrument of my work: th-cam.com/video/BWRavn2AMFo/w-d-xo.html
Holy shit that's the biggest viola I've ever seen
Never heard of a Violoncello Da Spalla.
Viola is so uncomfortable to play. I play violin too and the stress put on neck and left arm is so much bigger with viola.
If you play both violin and viola it might be more comfortable for you to have the viola a little smaller. Small violas were more common when the strictly narrow specialisation "violinists", "violists" wasn't yet the standard and musicians played more than one instrument.
violin?????
I don't know, man. Sounds like you're throwing shade at viola 😂
Everyone throws shade at the viola. Including violists.
It's tuned an octave lower than a viola (though with the additional high 5th string, it has considerable overlap in range). It's more a replacement for a cello (bottom strings are tuned exactly the same), with a lighter sound. The 5th string allows easy playing of pieces like Bach's 6th suite, which are very difficult otherwise.
Ееееее ты украинец)))
з чого це ВИ так вирішили? (що він українець?)
Подожди ты русский что ли????
MY EYES!!! it hurts to see a viola!!!
Hello. What is the tuning for the violoncello da spalla? Aside from the obvious additional, that is.
Same tuning as a cello (which is an octave lower than a viola), with the addition of a high string a fifth higher (well into viola range).