What is the Violoncello da Spalla?
The violoncello da spalla is the revolutionary shoulder-held cello that Bach composed for, connecting the worlds of violin and cello. This historic instrument allows violinists to play cello repertoire without learning new technique—transforming your musical identity overnight. In today's classical music scene, being 2% better is hard and it rarely matters; being meaningfully different always does.
Three Ways the Violoncello da Spalla Transforms Violinists
Access Cello Repertoire Without Learning a New Instrument
Apply your existing violin technique to perform Bach's Cello Suites, Vivaldi's cello concertos, and centuries of bass and obbligato parts—all without years of new training. What takes others a lifetime takes violoncello da spalla players just days.
Stand Out in a Crowded Field of Skilled String Players
In a world of interchangeable self-employed violinists, become the musician audiences and presenters remember—the one who seamlessly transitions between violin and cello repertoire in a single performance. The violoncello da spalla instantly makes you remarkable, not just memorable.
Create New Performance and Recording Opportunities
Transform from chasing bookings to being sought after. Orchestras, chamber ensembles, and recording studios are actively seeking the rare violoncello da spalla sound—especially for Bach's works. While other violinists compete for the same chairs, you'll be creating an entirely new seat at the table.
How Violinists Transition to the Violoncello da Spalla
1. The Model That Pioneered a Movement
Badiarov's models have been embraced by the world's premier violoncello da spalla pioneers—Kuijken, Terakado, and Malov. These aren't experiments; they're instruments that have already redefined what's possible in Bach interpretation and far beyond—into today's music.
2. The Technique That Feels Like Coming Home
No new language to learn, just a dialect shift: use your violin fingering knowledge, bring your hands closer to your body (the instrument may be larger, but you'll stretch less thanks to its position), and slow your bow to awaken the bass strings. The secret isn't learning something new—it's unleashing what your hands already know.
2. The Technique That Feels Like Coming Home
No new language to learn, just a dialect shift: use your violin fingering knowledge, bring your hands closer to your body (the instrument may be larger, but you'll stretch less thanks to its position), and slow your bow to awaken the bass strings. The secret isn't learning something new—it's unleashing what your hands already know.
3. Shortcut the Learning Curve
Every wishing musician receives direct guidance, whether in person or via Zoom. I may not claim perfection. You might not like my playing at all. I am the luthier, not performer. But my albums with all Six Suites for Cello Solo by J.S.Bach, recordings with La Petite Bande and Bach Collegium Japan speak to the possible. I've mapped the pitfalls so you don't have to find them.
violoncello da spalla In Clients' Hands
J.S. Bach - The six Cello Suites, BWV 1007–1012
Experience Bach's Cello Suites transformed—recorded on the violoncello da spalla in 2009 as Bach himself envisioned, crafted by Dmitry Badiarov, whose instruments are exclusively chosen by Kuijken, Terakado, and other pioneers who rediscovered this revolutionary approach.
client testimonials
Your colleagues from the Past
Why You Might Choose a Badiarov Spalla
Maybe violoncello da spalla does not resonate with you. In fact, you might not like my approach to instrument making, my playing style, or the fact that I was able to do both professionally. However, unlike other makers attempting to recreate this instrument, I have over twenty years of experience crafting and playing the violoncello da spalla with La Petite Bande and Bach Collegium Japan, as well as performing solo in Japan, South Korea, Europe, and Mexico. To ensure this cultural tradition is not lost again, I have also trained numerous instrument makers around the world and written a book on it.
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Historically Informed - Based on decades of research, not guesswork
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Ergonomically Optimized - Designed specifically for violinists' existing technique
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Individually Crafted - Each instrument is a collaboration between maker and musician
In today's classical music scene, being 2% better is hard and it rarely matters; being meaningfully different always does.
