Restored 18th-Century Scottish Cello to Feature in Public Performance

An instrument believed to be Scotland’s oldest surviving cello, having undergone restoration, is scheduled for a special public performance. This cello was crafted in 1756, 268 years ago, by luthier Robert Duncan in Aberdeen. The cello became part of the University of Aberdeen’s special collections through a bequest from James Beattie, a former student who later became a professor of philosophy, originally from Laurencekirk in Aberdeenshire, following his passing in 1803. Having been restored, the instrument will be publicly performed – potentially for the first time since the 18th Century, according to beliefs – by cellist Lucia Capellaro. This event will take place on Friday evening within the notable setting of the university’s King’s College Chapel. Subsequent to Beattie’s demise in 1803, his collection of papers, letters, and the cello were bequeathed to the university, remaining there continuously since that time. David Rattray, a restorer and luthier—an individual specializing in crafting stringed instruments—undertook work on the cello this year. Rattray stated, “The workmanship seen in this instrument and its bespoke case is outstanding.” He added, “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.” Cellist Lucia Capellaro shared her experience from rehearsals with BBC Scotland News, remarking, “Playing it is so interesting, it wasn’t what I expected at all.” She continued, “You get a preconception of what an old instrument sounds like based on what so many instruments sound like today.” Capellaro further explained, “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 elaborated, “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.” Capellaro concluded, “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.” Dr. Aaron McGregor, a lecturer in music performance at the University of Aberdeen, commented, “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 musical ensemble will perform pieces that Beattie would have been familiar with, both from his personal social music-making and his participation in the Aberdeen Musical Society’s orchestra. The program for the concert combines Italian sonatas and chamber music with arrangements of Scottish music, illustrating the diverse range of musical styles appreciated by Beattie and his peers. McGregor further stated, “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.”