changing The range on a cello.

jimmythejew

Hello, I know that the lower range of a cello stops at octave below middle c but Im wondering is it possible at all to play the b after the c, maybe by tuning the string differently or something. This is really important as I'm currently writing a string quartet.

arnesst

Hi,
It is possible to retune (scordatura) the cello but is it worth it?

- It's hassle for the player because it's highly unusual.
- Not many players will be willing to retune.
- String(s) lose the tension therefore forte is questionable. Usualy you would use scordatura going to higher pitch.
- Many players would have absolute or relative pitch and it's rather confusing to use scordatura - you need to work hard...

Professional player would say:
If you want your music to be performed leave it to normal and try to be creative in other areas. Otherwise it will be performed just once or never.

Hope this helps.

jimmythejew

Ya i think I will just put the bits that arent in the normal range an octave higher. Thanks for the info

arnesst

No problem.

pinksoir

Transpose everything up a semitone?

That would seem the most logical thing to do...

arnesst

If yours piece is in C major (with B as a leading note) transpose it to G or D major.
Make use of open strings on bowed string instruments.
D flat major does not sound great on bowed strings.