Oldest surviving Scots cello to be played again

Cellist Lucia Capellaro will play the 268-year-old instrument

A restored instrument thought to be the oldest surviving Scottish cello is to be brought back to life at a special performance.

The cello was made 268 years ago by luthier Robert Duncan in Aberdeen, back in 1756.

It was donated to the University of Aberdeen’s special collections as part of a bequest by former student and later professor of philosophy James Beattie, from Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire, after his death in 1803.

Now restored, it will be played in public - it is believed possibly for the first time since the 18th Century - by cellist Lucia Capellaro, in the impressive surroundings of the university's King’s College Chapel on Friday evening.

Following Beattie’s death in 1803, his papers, letters and cello were donated to the university where they have been ever since.

The cello was worked on this year by David Rattray, a restorer and luthier - someone who makes stringed instruments.

"The workmanship seen in this instrument and its bespoke case is outstanding," he said.

"Likely the oldest surviving Scottish cello, it remains in pure baroque condition, and demonstrates the craftsmanship of one of the best violin makers of the Aberdeen school."

The cello has now been restored to its former glory

"Playing it is so interesting, it wasn’t what I expected at all," cellist Lucia told BBC Scotland News of her rehearsals.

"You get a preconception of what an old instrument sounds like based on what so many instruments sound like today.

"In some ways I was expecting it to have more of a closed sound but it’s just incredibly open, it really does feel like it hasn’t been tampered with."

She explained: “It’s just got a unique voice, it’s incredibly clear and bright but at the same time it’s very mellow, soft and warm.

"It’s a real treat to play and it does feel more unique than I thought it was going to, it’s just a joy."

'Very appropriate setting'

Dr Aaron McGregor, lecturer in music performance at the University of Aberdeen, said: "It is incredibly exciting to be able to hear Beattie's cello played in public probably for the first time since his lifetime, in the very appropriate setting of King's College Chapel.

"The ensemble explores music Beattie would have known from his own social music making at home and through his involvement in the orchestra of the Aberdeen Musical Society.

"The concert brings together Italian sonatas and chamber music with settings of Scottish music, showcasing the spectrum of music enjoyed by Beattie and his contemporaries."

He added: "Scots Baroque are a wonderful ensemble combining early music and performance on period instruments with innovative programmes and dramatic performances. This concert is a real one-off and not to be missed."