CELLO

Linsey’s ‘cello is unique and very precious to her…it was made in 1790 and is thought to be of German origin. It is made of Maple and as ‘cellos are all different, this one is 7/8ths in size…a small fine instrument with a delicious tone…

At some point in it’s long life, a modern spike has been fitted but originally it would have been played in a Baroque style and held lightly with the calves of the player. The lower ribs have been replaced as historically this would have had a lot of wear and tear due to the holding technique. Also, to bring this ‘cello up to modern technical standards of playing, the neck has been replaced from a flatter baroque fingerboard to a more angled one.

In the late 18th Century, the ‘cello was regarded as very much an “accompanying” instrument…however, when you listen to Linsey’s style of playing she regards the ‘cello very much as a “lead” instrument which blends so well with Ken’s pipes and 12 string Lowden. it is quite wonderful so witness the variety of tones and voices this instrument can muster from high vocalise melodic lines to the gritty bass double-stop chords with every colour of the rainbow in between…