Lynn Harrell has announced on his blog that he is looking for a new home for the Montagnana cello he has played for half a century.
He writes: Over time, musicians become one with our instrument partner and so it happened with this cello and me. I changed it and it unquestionably changed me. Now, I want to have a hand in seeing it go to another musician so to that end, I have decided to sell it directly so as to help another musician find his/her voice and true soul in music. Fare thee well dear friend!
photos courtesy www.lynnharrell.com
One of our history’s greatest cellists. His Barber Concerto performances with the National Symphony Orchestra several years ago – unforgettable.
Norman, I am shocked that I’m not reading more about Harrell. He has proven as performer, over the course of more than three decades, with his great Montagne cello, on the world’s greatest stages, his stature as one of the finest in cello history. Take note of his river of fine recordings. His talent unquestionable. On the level of Rose, Rostropovich, or Ma? His desire to sell his cello to an up and coming artist is worthy of comment. Where are you readers?
That cello is probably a tad finicky. If it’s the one I’ve heard previously, he plays it with such passion the strings snap of the bridge sometimes. This is an act of love, to me. They’ve had their relationship and he wants a new relationship with a different instrument. This is the one he bought when his parents died. He has also played Du Pre’s cello. He probably wants a different relationship with a different cello for this stage of his life.