Violins and Chihuahuas
by N
As a former cellist and still a lover of cellos, I find it a little sad and annoying that all the greatest pieces of music go to the violin. Yes, it’s vibrant and loud and has a high frequency. But when you think about it, it’s the chihuahua of the string family. And that makes everything even worse. Think about chihuahuas for a moment and what comes to your mind? Little toy dogs that bark a lot in a high tone and are carried around in bags and think they’re the greatest creatures in the world. Now think about violins. It’s pretty much exactly the same. Except that at least, violins create some pretty awesome music. But I guess, I have a little violin-envy and want some great music to go to the cellos. And for cellos to get the recognition that they deserve. Because they’re beautiful instruments with a rich and melodic tone that just takes me away into some place deeper.
Today, M and I were listening to Bach’s Cello Suite No.1, probably the most famous cello piece today. And it’s beautiful! There’s a reason it’s so famous. But when you go deeper into the world of cellos, there’s not that many pieces that stand out to me. Except for Jacqueline Du Pre’s rendition of Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor. That piece is heartbreakingly beautiful. I feel like the man was going crazy from sadness, all the while, he had some hope that things would get better.
But getting back to the topic at hand, violins and chihuahuas have many things in common. And the cello which is some sweet, good natured but tragic and sad shepherd of the string family should get some more love. I can just imagine looking to the eyes of a cello and seeing the tragedy of the world in them. Of course, I feel even worse for the viola and bass, but I have less emotional attachment and knowledge about their music to have much to say about them. Though they have my respect as well. In a sense of comradery, I’m sure they all feel very similar in the shadows of the violin. Just the cello sees a little more light than the other two.
