In this video, the NZSQ’s cellist, Rolf Gjelsten, shares some of the 315 years history of his cello, crafted in Venice in 1705 by Francesco Gofriller.
This extraordinary cello, which projects a “beautiful rich bass and a sweet top”, has passed through the hands of many great performers. Rolf describes his relationship with his cello as
“...both a child and father. A child in the care I must give it to last another 300 years and a father in what the instrument can teach me about singing with character and playing without wilfulness.”
He explains that his own musical voice comes through the instrument.
“Every moment I sit at the cello I’m enriched by the colours and innate character of the instrument. Those 17th century Italians knew how to seduce the ear!”
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