Routledge Playing the Cello, 1780-1930 - Music History Book

Explore the evolution of cello performance with Playing the Cello, 1780-1930 from Routledge. This study offers a deep look into how nineteenth-century cellists approached their instrument, tracking changes in posture, technique, and expression over a 150-year period. Unlike traditional histories, this work recognizes that many different musical practices existed at the same time. George Kennaway builds a unique cultural history by examining a wide variety of source materials. Rather than relying solely on technical manuals, the research incorporates poetry, novels, film, and instructional methods to provide a complete picture of the era. This approach helps readers understand the diversity of performance styles that shaped the history of classical music. By addressing the instability and ambiguity of historical data, this book provides a realistic perspective on how musical traditions were documented and practiced. It is an essential resource for music historians, performers, and students interested in the development of classical string performance.