What day is it?

On December 29, cellists and musicians around the world celebrate International Cello Day. The sound of this musical instrument cannot leave anyone indifferent. On this day, everyone has the opportunity to listen to well-known works performed with the participation of famous cellists of our time, to attend a concert in their city. This unofficial holiday is celebrated in the music world every year. In 2021, the celebration falls on a Wednesday.

How did the idea of ​​celebrating the International Cello Day come about?

The date of December 29 was not chosen by chance. After all, it was on this day in 1876 that the famous Catalan cellist Pablo Calzas was born. Proponents of the cello believe that it was this musician who made the greatest contribution to the popularization of the cello as a solo musical instrument.

Pablo Calzas

The musician, a native of Catalonia (Spain), is not only an outstanding performer of musical works on the cello, he was actively engaged in public and composition activities, and also conducted an orchestra.

Pablo’s musical career began in early childhood. The boy was not yet 4 years old when his father began teaching him to play various musical instruments, such as the violin, flute, and piano. The cello appeared in the life of Calzas during his studies at the public music school in Barcelona.

At the age of 25, he began an active touring career as a musician. He performed solo parts together with the orchestra and instrumental ensembles. The most famous works of Pablo Casals are considered to be his performances of Bach’s works for cello, which he was engaged in during the 30s of the 20th century. The musician also made a huge contribution to national music – he translated Catalan folk songs for the cello, in particular “Bird Song”, which became known throughout the world thanks to his performance.

History of the cello

The first cello was born at the beginning of the 16th century. One of the oldest copies of the instrument has survived to this day. This is a cello made in the 1540s by the eminent Italian violin maker Andrea Amati. Today, the instrument joins the collection of a music museum in South Dakota. There are also many examples from the workshop of Stradivari himself. The most expensive is a cello dating back to 1711 worth $20,000,000.

Cello is a stringed bowed musical instrument. It got its name because of its appearance, which is very similar to a double bass. After all, this is how the word “violone” is translated. However, the sound on the cello is somewhat higher than on the double bass. Unlike viola and violin, the instrument has large dimensions. It has a special spire that rests on the floor, and the musician himself sits on a chair during the game. Musicians who have played the violin and cello note that playing the latter instrument is much more difficult due to its size and placement.

The cello has a versatile sound, its thick and rich sounds perfectly cope with major and minor keys. The cello fits perfectly into a small instrumental ensemble and is one of the leading instruments in a symphony orchestra. But it sounds best in a solo performance of both classical and modern works.

Famous cellists

Apart from Pablo Calzas the world knows many talented cellists. The most prominent of them are the following:

Mstislav Leopoldovich Rostropovich – a famous Russian and Soviet cellist, winner of dozens of national and international awards, prizes and titles. The first in the world to perform 117 musical works on the cello.

Yo Yo Ma – the American cellist of Chinese origin is considered the most famous in the world. He started playing the violin and cello when he was only 4 years old, and he played his first concert at the age of 5. The musician is the winner of the most prestigious awards in the world of music, awarded with medals and orders for his great contribution to the distribution and popularization of the works of the classics.

The band Apocalyptica – Finnish quartet known for their heavy metal performances on cellos.

Frequently asked questions and answers about International Cello Day

To the list of presentations that will definitely interest any musician, you can add:

• A record with his favorite work.
• Auxiliary applications. For example, an interesting modern gift is a lectern-stand for a laptop.
• A ticket to a concert of famous performers with the participation of the cello is a great gift for an ordinary listener – a fan of this musical instrument.

Congratulations on International Cello Day

“May the music of your soul be as deep and sweet as the sounds of your cello. Over the years, your music has inspired, soothed, and awakened incredible emotions. Therefore, we wish that only cheerful and harmonious motives resound in your life. Health, happiness, and all the best in your professional and personal life!”

Happy International Cello Day! May your life be as sonorous, harmonious and unsurpassed as your music! I wish you health and all the best. Let your skill grow every day, and let the number of supporters of your talent increase in geometric progression.”

“We would like to congratulate a talented and gifted cellist – the true soul of any orchestra. Let life be ordered, like notes in wonderful music. Let your favorite motifs make life brighter, happier and more interesting. Let the frantic melody always ring in the heart and encourage you to give happiness to your supporters. Happy International Cellist Day!”

🎁 Gifts for International Cello Day

	Cello
	Case for cello
	Cello bow
	Bridge for cello
	Cello strings

How to celebrate International Cello Day?

The holiday is a great occasion for cello concerts. Fans of this musical instrument do not miss the opportunity to attend a concert performed by famous cellists. It is a good opportunity for performers to introduce their fans to a new work or performance of a well-known composition.

Interesting competitions are organized in musical educational institutions, thematic lessons and master classes are held. It is interesting that the International Cello Day has its own personal website, on which the organizers of the holiday give recommendations for the celebration:

1. Learn a new composition.
2. Organize a meeting with other cellists.
3. Perform at a concert or give a cello concert yourself.
4. Record a video clip of the master class and post it on YouTube or Instagram.
5. Give free cello lessons for beginners.

Why do we love this day?

International Cello Day popularizes this musical instrument among a wide range of people. It can be admired not only by musicians with experience and sophisticated hearing, but also by every person. After all, both complex classical works and light instrumental melodies are performed on the cello.

When will we celebrate International Cello Day?