About this instrument
Milanese cello, circa 1800
In the style of the Testore family · Poplar back · Body length 75.5 cm · Certificate by H. Köstler, Stuttgart
This remarkable Milanese cello, dating from around 1800, possesses precisely the distinctive personality associated with the characterful instruments of the old Milanese school. Its workmanship is deliberately rustic and direct, and stylistically it clearly follows the tradition of the Testore family. Its provenance is particularly interesting: numerous earlier documents accompanying the instrument have survived, in which the cello was attributed to Paolo Testore. It is now offered as a Milanese work from around 1800 and is accompanied by a certificate from H. Köstler, Stuttgart.
Even at first glance, this cello is far removed from immaculately smooth, academic workmanship. This is an essential part of its appeal. Its slightly idiosyncratic, vigorous form, distinctive f-holes and boldly modelled scroll give it an unmistakably Italian character. The warm reddish-brown varnish, matured over many generations, displays a pronounced natural patina and numerous traces of a long musical life. The surface possesses a depth and authenticity that cannot be artificially reproduced in a historic instrument.
The poplar back is particularly characteristic. This material is found repeatedly in historic Italian cellos and here contributes to the instrument’s distinctly individual overall appearance. The relatively plain figure of the wood forms an appealing contrast with the bold modelling and lively old varnish. With a body length of 75.5 cm, the cello also has ideal, finely balanced dimensions: full-sized and sonorous, yet comfortable to handle and exceptionally easy to play.
Tonally, we consider this cello one of the particularly impressive historic instruments. Its sound possesses exceptional depth, an enormous range of colour and, at the same time, great power. It responds immediately with little effort, giving the player the sense that the sound is produced almost of its own accord. The bass is deep and substantial without becoming ponderous, while the upper registers remain open, colourful and carrying.
The breadth of its tonal palette is especially fascinating. The cello can sound dark, earthy and intimate, yet in the next moment become luminous, present and exceptionally powerful. It possesses the complex overtones and distinctive Italian timbre one expects from a historic Milanese cello of this calibre. Throughout all registers, it retains a remarkably natural response and allows the sound to be shaped with great ease.
This is not an instrument whose quality is defined by volume alone. Rather, it combines depth, power and warmth with an exceptionally broad tonal palette. It is precisely this combination that makes it of interest both to discerning soloists and to musicians seeking a truly characterful historic cello.
A highly individual Milanese cello from around 1800, which openly displays its long history and thereby possesses an exceptional presence—with significant historical documentation, ideal dimensions and a sound of exceptional depth, richness of colour and Italian character.