Stephen Collins is a member of the Canadian Association of Violin & Bow Makers and is a pioneer in the revival of the Violoncello da Spalla. He studied with Dmitry Badiarov in the Elite Luthiers Academy, learning the lost techniques of instrument design known by the old masters.

Among the da Spalla models on offer is the Badiarov Small Model, the same model played by Sergey Malov in his impressive performances, which can be seen on YouTube.

Any violinist or violist can quickly learn to play this exciting instrument.

Why not make the da Spalla part of your unique skill set as a fine musician?

 Solo Performers

Sergey Malov – Versatile virtuoso of violin, viola, and now Violoncello da Spalla. Check out his many performances spanning from Bach to Blues, Jazz & video games all over the internet and on his website www.sergeymalov.com . 

Malov’s video of the 6th Bach Suite for Netherlands Bach Society is exceptional.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbH3JYfRjO

Malov has recorded the Schubert Arpeggione Sonata as well.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUrqJp44QIQ

Malov also recorded the Boccherini Cello Concerto No. 7.

https://youtu.be/NSU6Ylxaobs?si=FkHyZUsS02UpV-uk

Stephen Collins and Sarah Kheel - Recent performance on the instrument displayed in the photo here.  Cervetto Sonata opus 2, No. 9.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHSWl_d8ggo

Dmitry Badiarov – Recorded a CD of the Bach Six Cello Suites released on Ramee, 2012.  It is now available as a free download on his website.

https://badiarovviolins.com/jp/violoncello-da-spalla-violinist-career-made-simple/

Sigiswald Kujiken – Leader of the famed Baroque Ensemble “La Petite Bande” in the Netherlands, Kuijken was the first to record a CD of the Bach Cello Suites on the violoncello da Spalla in 2009 on Accent records.

See “La Petite Bande” performing Brandenburg Concerto III featuring 3 da Spallas made by Dmitry Badiarov, with Kujiken, Akatsu, and Badiarov.

https://youtu.be/7SbFcDbG1gI?si=b2d6tlHe6iOW-Gm_

Recommended Reading

Badiarov, Dmitry. “DA SPALLA: How Violinists Can Find Their Unique Voice & Open New Career Opportunities In 14 Days”, 10-10-10 Publishing, Markham, Ontario, 2023 ISBN 9798379291518.

Badiarov, Dmitry. “The Violoncello, Viola da Spalla and Viola Pomposa in Theory and Practice. “The Galpin Society Journal 60 (2007): 121-45

http://www.jstor.org/stable/25163896.

Gaidano, Daniela. “Violoncello da Spalla”, paperback, independently published, 2022,

ISBN 13 – 9798428035513

Otsuki, Koji. “J. S. Bach’s Violoncello Piccolo”, Indiana University Doctoral Dissertation, 2020

https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/handle/2022/25325