Books about the cello
Books about cellists and cellos
Here are four books which tell some fascinating stories that illustrate the changes of the musical (and real) world over the 1st half of the 20th Century and more.
“Cellist” by Gregor Piatigorsky
“The Lost Cellos of Lev Aronson”
“History of the Violoncello” by Dr. Lev Ginsburg
Rudolf Matz was considered by many to be the greatest theorist of the cello of the twentieth century. This book details his life, career, and his teaching philosophy.
“Rudolf Matz”
“Cellist” is out of print, but very charming, with lots of colorful and entertaining stories if it is in your budget. Piatigorsky was a great cellist and raconteur. The Aronson book is an illuminating tale of the first half of the 20th Century told through Aronson’s experience. There aren’t many cellists around who have direct knowledge of some of the things he experienced (he was in both Nazi death camps and a Nazi work camp), and it is well worth reading. The History of the Violoncello has a lot of information on many cellists of the past. I’m told Aronson hated it because he wasn’t in it. Life is a strange trip, for sure… Rudolf Matz and Lev Aronson worked together on “The Complete Cellist” which is out of print now. It is available, as are the collected papers of many renowned cellists (including Aronson and Matz) at the excellent UNCG archives.