Violoncello da Spalla — The Art of Fugue Model
Made by violoncello da spalla maker Dmitry Badiarov, pioneer of the modern revival of the instrument.
The model that returned to the stage
In 2003, at Sigiswald Kuijken’s request, Dmitry Badiarov began developing a modern violoncello da spalla for professional performance. The work led to one of the earliest contemporary da spalla models to return to the international stage.
Early Badiarov violoncello da spalla model developed through collaboration with performers.
Historically informed approach is always deeper than surface copying
The Art of Fugue model is shaped through Badiarov’s harmony-first method, where musical relationships are resolved as proportion before becoming measurements, response, and voice.
Workshop process for the Art of Fugue violoncello da spalla.
Twenty years of refinement
Since the first models, the violoncello da spalla has continued to evolve through performance, adjustment, and collaboration with musicians. More than twenty years later, the model remains in active use by performers exploring Bach, chamber music, and historically informed performance today.
A compact cello voice against your body
Held against the upper body, the violoncello da spalla gives you a direct physical relationship with the sound and feels like your body becomes a musical instrument too.
The Art of Fugue violoncello da spalla, recorded in a 10th-century church.
“How can a new instrument be predictable before it is finished?”
A commission is not guesswork. Before measurements are fixed, Badiarov studies the musician’s repertoire, physical needs, intended sound, setup, pitch, and practical performance context.
This is the role of his harmony-first method: musical relationships are translated into proportion, geometry, response, and voice, so the instrument is shaped with clear musical and physical purpose.
The method has informed repeated commissions for professional musicians including Sigiswald Kuijken, Sergey Malov, and Ryo Terakado.
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
Commissioning a Violoncello da Spalla — The Art of Fugue Model
Each Art of Fugue Violoncello da Spalla is made to commission by Dmitry Badiarov for a specific musician, repertoire, setup, pitch, and physical relationship with the instrument.
Workshop and bespoke versions are available. Investment depends on the model, materials, setup, and artistic requirements.
Commissioning begins with a private conversation.
Made individually for professional use.