The Art of Fugue Violoncello da Spalla
A remembering
The Art of Fugue - An Emblem
In 2003, at Sigiswald Kuijken's request, I began reviving the violoncello da spalla — without certainty it would succeed. More than twenty years later, it lives as a dialogue between maker, musician, and music itself.
Da spalla model, first executed in the early 2000s. Developed in continuous collaboration with performers.
Harmony Oriented
Born from long devotion and direct collaboration with performers, the da spalla emerged as Sound Alchemy made physical. Its proportions arise from a single musical idea: The Art of Fugue.
Crafting an instrument is a form of performance — shaped by listening rather than instruction. "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise; seek what they sought" ~ Basho.
Unison Made Visible
What bass is to harmony, unison is to luthiery — audible, visible, undeniably tangible. No words needed.
The Instrument — On Stage
Against the chest, upper body, and head, it resonates as if the player becomes part of the instrument. Powerful yet nuanced—capable of solo, basso, and chamber music. Suspended on a belt against the right shoulder, it paradoxically feels smaller than a violin. Playable with gut or modern strings, the Art of Fugue model has evolved since 2003 into dozens of customized variants.
The sound of this violoncello da spalla, recorded in the silence of a 10th-century church.
“If I can’t try it, how do I know this will work?”
When you commission, acoustic predictability and comfort aren’t luck. Your instrument must help you be your best—so nothing is left to chance.
I built Sound Alchemy™ from the masters’ method and from lived stage reality—including years performing with La Petite Bande. The clearest proof is repeated commissions:
Sigiswald Kuijken (6) · Sergey Malov (2) · Ryo Terakado (3).
Witnesses
“Playing Bach's Cello Suites on the violoncello da spalla is like coming home. It's a confident companion, not a prima-donna like the violin. My God, this is the best thing that has ever happened.”
Sigiswald Kuijken
Concert Violinist, Conductor, Violoncello da Spalla Pioneer
“Dmitry's violins are full of originality and intelligence. Playing his violoncello da spalla, especially Bach's cello suites, has been an incredible journey of experimentation and discovery, and I fell in love with its sound immediately.”
Ryo Terakado
Concert Violinist, Conductor
“I found my own voice in it, and it enriched my career - and this is the ultimate book about it..”
Dr. Koji Otsuki
Conductor, Violoncellist da spalla, Bach Specialist
“Dmitry's violoncello da spalla has transformed my career. I perform Bach Suites, Handel, Telemann, and even Beethoven and Haydn on it, often alongside violinists and violists. Playing this instrument brings immense joy, versatility, and a deep connection to the music..”
Sergey Malov
Concert Violinist, Conductor
Art of Fugue Violoncello da Spalla
The pioneering 2005 model
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