Explore the 1730 Celoniato Cello at Canada’s Musical Instrument Bank

The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada’s public arts funder. It offers grants, services, prizes, and payments to support and promote the arts across the country and internationally.

1730 ‘Newland’ Giovanni Francesco Celoniato Cello

This cello is a rare piece in the Musical Instrument Bank’s collection. Only about eight cellos made by Giovanni Francesco Celoniato (1676–1751) remain. His instruments are known for their high quality. They feature careful craftsmanship, a refined golden-brown varnish, and excellent materials. The back consists of two pieces of slab-cut poplar, with matching ribs. The scroll is made of lime wood. The table uses three pieces of pine, with a wide grain in the center and medium-width grains on the sides.

The cello is named after Christine Newland, who sold it to the Canada Council in 2011 after serving as the principal cellist of the London Symphonia for 40 years. It is believed to be a twin of another Celoniato cello made from the same tree, which is part of the Royal Academy of Music collection in London, UK. Daniel Hass currently plays this cello.

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Photo: Donna Santos Studio

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