Violoncello da Spalla: Transform Your Musical Identity with Centuries of Cello Repertoire

See the luthier play this instrument

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.

Violoncello da spalla model small

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

Ryo Terakado Spalla Vivaldi
Sergey Malov Spalla Bach
La Petite Bande, Brandenburg Concerto Bach

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.

Diapason Decouverte | German Critics Award | Record Geijutsu
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client testimonials

Artie Dibble Viola
Naomi Binder Violin Viola Violoncello da Spalla

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.

  • Historically Informed - Based on decades of research, not guesswork
  • Ergonomically Optimized - Designed specifically for violinists' existing technique
  • Individually Crafted - Each instrument is a collaboration between maker and musician
Dmitry has such unique ideas, and his violins have a distinct character. I own three of his instruments, and I don't know anyone else with his level of intelligence and originality in instrument making.
violoncello da spalla, Ryo Terakado
Ryo Terakado
Violoncellist da spalla, violinist, concertmaster, conductor, professor

In today's classical music scene, being 2% better is hard and it rarely matters; being meaningfully different always does.

"In its ethos, Da Spalla is situated somewhere between Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Anner Bylsma’s Bach, the fencing master." ~ THE STRAD
"Fascinating instrument and a great story of its rebirth. Get this book! It's a rosin for the soul" ~ SERGEY MALOV
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Badiarov Book on Violoncello da Spalla