Piatti, Method for Cello Bk 1 (Stainer and Bell)
The Method For Cello by Alfredo Piatti is a well-known and comprehensive instructional guide for playing the cello. Piatti, who was a celebrated cellist, composer, and educator in the nineteenth century, takes the student through the basics of playing techniques, starting from the open strings, first position, and bowings, and then progressing to exercises in the fifth, sixth, and seventh positions (in the Tenor Clef). Throughout the guide, Piatti includes arpeggios and scales to help train the hands, fingers, and wrists so that the proper techniques become ingrained. Piatti provides a detailed explanation whenever a new concept or technique is introduced, so even those with no prior cello experience can understand. However, the guide assumes a basic knowledge of music theory, including familiarity with the notes of the bass clef, note lengths, key and time signatures, etc.