Publisher Description (unedited publisher data) This is a compact, composite and authoritative survey of the history and development of the cello and its repertory from the origins of the instrument to the present day. The volume comprises thirteen essays, written by a team of nine distinguished scholars and performers, and is intended to develop the cello's historical perspective in breadth and from every relevant angle, offering as comprehensive a coverage as possible. It focuses in particular on four principal areas: the instrument's structure, development and fundamental acoustical principles; the careers of the most distinguished cellists from the baroque era to the present; the cello repertory (including chapters devoted to the concerto, the sonata, other solo repertory, and ensemble music); and its technique, teaching methods and relevant aspects of historical and current performance practice. It is the most comprehensive book ever to be published about the instrument and provides essential information for performers, students and teachers.