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In Focus: A 1957 cello by Sesto Rocchi

2023-03-16T09:40:00

Corner front

Alberto Giordano examines the 20th-century Italian instrument

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Construction

The cello was made on an internal mould; for violins and violas Rocchi used a personal ‘double’ internal mould made of two pieces joined together with screws. After the ribs were set on the mould he unscrewed and removed the upper mould to have room to fit the linings. This cello is built on an ‘Amatisé’ Stradivari model that recalls Leandro Bisiach’s taste. Blocks and linings are made of willow, worked with great care; the interior looks particularly clean and refined.

Archings and edgework

The height of the front arching is 260mm; the back is higher at 330mm. Archings are perfectly cut and connected; the back was finished with a scraper that enhances the waves of the flames…

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