In the following pages I present to the musical world the History of
the Violoncello and Violoncello playing. I have preceded it by the
History of the Viola da Gamba, for the reason that this instrument must
be considered the precursor of the Violoncello. For my work I have
made use of the musical dictionaries extant, especially Gerber’s old
and new musical Lexicon as well as Fétis’s “Biographie Universelle des
Musiciens.” What has been borrowed from other works will be indicated
in the course of the narrative. The great courtesy of Herr Friedrich
Grützmacher, the Royal Concert-director of Saxony, in placing at my
disposal his extensive collection of old and new Violoncello Literature,
has been of especial value to me in my undertaking. By its means I
have been enabled to find my way through the historical development
of Violoncello composition. I willingly seize this opportunity of
expressing my thanks to him for it.