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Modern Cello Techniques

The cello is capable of extended techniques to create novel effects.

Having a solid understanding of modern cello techniques can make the difference between a good performer and an exceptional performer. The modern cello has developed into a substantial instrument capable of several modern cello techniques. Using the bow in non-traditional ways, cellists use different parts of the bow to create effects and manipulate the strings in non-standard ways. Modern composers use extensive techniques and utilize the instrument for passionate solo performances, dramatic effects and harmonic techniques to enhance the music. Virtuosos like Yo-Yo Ma have brought further attention to the cello and its advanced techniques.

Col Legno


Col legno is Italian for “with the wood.” It is a technique that emits a wooden crackling sound from the cello. The cellist performs this technique by bowing the strings with the back, wooden side of the bow instead of using the hairs. Composers will write “col legno” at the point that this technique should occur within the music. This technique commonly appears in film scores to create a spooky, eerie effect.

Vibrato


Vibrato appears in many cello pieces. However, in modern works, it may create special effects. The typical cello vibrato is quick and has a thin texture. In modern cello works, it is sometimes required that the cellist create a wide and expansive vibrato that is similar to a tremolo on a single note. This technique creates a striking, sometimes humorous and obscured pitch.

Harmonics


Harmonics create thin, pale and ghostly pitches played in the high register of the cello. By dividing the string with a finger, the cellist can shorten and double the intensity of the vibrating string. This creates pitches that are proportional to the strings division. Dividing the string in half will create a pitch an octave higher while dividing the string into thirds will create a pitch a fifth and an octave higher. There are several ways to divide the string to create numerous harmonics.

Multiple Stops


The cello is capable of playing double, triple and quadruple stops. Double stops will allow two pitches to sound simultaneously, provided the pitches are on adjacent strings. Triple and Quadruple stops require that the cellist divide the chord into two groups since the nature of the cello bow will only let the cellist play two strings at a time. Earlier cello bows curved, allowing the cellist to play complete chords; however, these bows made it difficult to play fast passages, so the bow design changed to an inverted bow.
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