All cellists unite for International Cello Day on December 29. We are all about celebrating culture and music aficionados. The cello is a bowed string musical instrument with four strings tuned for perfect harmony. It looks like a large violin, which one can play while sitting down and holding it in between their legs. This holiday is celebrated not only by cellists, but composers, conductors, and music fans as well. This day also observes the birthday of renowned cellist Pablo Casals.
History of International Cello Day
International Cello Day is a notable day for all cellists around the world. All cellists and composers band together in memory of one of the most well-known musicians and composers of all time, Pablos Casals. Casals was born on December 29, 1876, in El Vendrell, Catalonia. With the teaching of his father, he was exposed to the world of music. At the early age of four, Casals learned to play the violin, piano, and flute. With his love and interest in all these instruments, he entered the Municipal School of Music in Barcelona and learned to play the cello. Casals has been named “the greatest musician ever to draw bow” by Fritz Kreisler — a known violinist and composer.Casals became legendary in the music industry and the whole world in the early 20th century, when he made a name for himself. He performed as a soloist and with different orchestras. He enormously added to the field of music. He is most remembered and acknowledged for his recordings of the ‘Bach Cello Suite,’ which he created and rediscovered in the latter half of the 1930s.Before this, many cellists regarded them only as exercises, while some did not believe it was a real published piece of music. With this new revelation and popularity, music was never the same. There was an influx of the suites’ recordings. All cellists suddenly had to know the suites and more composers created works based on them. The Pablo Casals Festival is an event that runs for two weeks. All artists and musicians around the globe are invited. It continues to run today and celebrates the conductor himself, Casals.
International Cello Day timeline
Pablo Casals is born.
Casals records the ‘Bach Cello Suites.’
The Pablo Casals Festival is an event that gathers artists and musicians all over the world.
A dedication to Casals is unceasingly celebrated.
International Cello Day FAQs
What makes the cello unique?
One obvious thing that makes the cello unique is its size as it is bigger compared to other instruments in the string family, such as the violin.
Which is more difficult to play, a violin or cello?
People who have tried both instruments tend to say the cello is less difficult due to its more natural position.
What is the best age to learn the cello?
Experts say that the best age to learn to play the cello is from six to seven years old.
International Cello Day Activities
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Extend your knowledge
If you want to celebrate this holiday, listen to the ‘Bach Cello Suites.’ This is the first rediscovery of Casals as an actual piece of music. With more research done, you can explore many more things about Casals’ music composition, upbringing, and even life recreations.
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Learn to play the cello
Learn a new skill. Take a cello music class on this day. You can invite some friends with you to join.
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Remind everyone, especially artists and musicians
Inform friends and family about International Cello Day. Adults and kids can learn to appreciate the art of constructing music and even be inclined to play the cello.
5 Interesting Facts About International Cello Day
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It is a day to celebrate Pablo Casas’ life
We dedicate this day to the birth of Casas, an acknowledged cellist, musician, conductor, and composer.
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It is a part of culture
Whether you are a music enthusiast or not, there is always something to learn about a significant time in the history of music.
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It redefined music
Casals rediscovered and recorded ‘Bach Cello Suites”, which was made in the latter 1930s.
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There are different names for cello players
A person who plays the cello is called a cellist or a violoncellist.
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Playing the cello makes you smarter
Studies show that a person has better mathematic and scientific skills since there is a cognitive improvement when you master the art of playing the cello.
Why We Love International Cello Day
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Everybody loves music
Generally, even if you are not the biggest fan of the cello or classical music, people have a great appreciation for music. People may have different interests in music genres but it is never too late to learn more about classical music.
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We get to celebrate Pablo Casas
We get to dedicate this day to one of the greatest cellists of all time. He is a known Catalan cellist who has performed with many orchestras and other artists as well.
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Classical music increases the listener’s I.Q.
It has been scientifically proven that every person who has listened to classical music has better mental skills. This is a fact, especially when they compare it to those who listen to other forms of music.
International Cello Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | December 29 | Thursday |
| 2023 | December 29 | Friday |
| 2024 | December 29 | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 29 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 29 | Tuesday |
