What Cello Does Hauser Play
Hauser plays a cello built by the Italian maker Matteo Goffriller, a Venetian luthier active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The instrument is a baroque-pattern cello, constructed around 1700, and it is known for its rich, dark tonal color and powerful projection. Goffriller cellos are highly sought after by professional soloists and chamber musicians, and this instrument is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Venetian cello making. Hauser acquired the cello through the international rare-instrument market, and it has become closely associated with his signature sound in orchestral and solo performances. The cello is regularly inspected and maintained by specialist luthiers to preserve its structural integrity and acoustic properties.
The Matteo Goffriller cello played by Hauser is a two-piece back instrument made from maple, with a spruce top and traditional internal construction. It features hand-carved f-holes, a long neck, and a flat fingerboard typical of the Venetian school. The cello is strung with gut strings, which contribute to its warm, complex resonance and nuanced dynamic range. The instrument's body length and arching dimensions follow historical models, allowing it to project well in large concert halls while retaining clarity in chamber settings. Hauser's choice of this cello reflects a preference for instruments that combine historical craftsmanship with modern playability and tonal flexibility.
Hauser Cello Specifications and Setup
The cello has a back length of approximately 755 millimeters and a string length of around 690 millimeters, placing it in the standard concert cello size range. The top thickness and graduation patterns follow the Goffriller tradition, with a thicker edge and a more pronounced arch than modern French models. The instrument's neck angle and fingerboard height have been adjusted over time by specialist luthiers to suit Hauser's playing style and the demands of contemporary repertoire. The cello uses a traditional wooden tailpiece, pegs, and a gut or gut-core string setup, with the exact string brand and gauge varying by repertoire and venue. These setup choices contribute to the instrument's ability to produce a wide palette of colors, from bright, focused upper partials to a deep, resonant low register.
Hauser's cello setup is documented in interviews and performance notes, where he discusses the balance between historical authenticity and modern projection. The instrument is housed in a custom-fit case with humidity control systems to protect the wood and glue joints from environmental damage. Regular inspections focus on the seams, soundpost position, and bridge height, with adjustments made to optimize response and intonation. The cello's acoustic properties have been measured and compared to other Goffriller instruments, showing a strong fundamental with complex overtones that support both lyrical and virtuosic passages. This combination of historical materials and careful maintenance allows the cello to remain competitive with newer instruments in terms of volume and clarity.
Hauser Cello in Performance and Recordings
Hauser has used this Goffriller cello in major concert halls and festival stages across Europe, Asia, and North America. The instrument is featured on his commercial recordings, where its tonal character is captured by high-quality studio microphones and mixing techniques. Reviews and critics have noted the cello's ability to cut through dense orchestral textures while maintaining a singing, vocal-like quality in solo passages. Hauser's programming often includes works from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, as well as contemporary compositions that exploit the cello's extended techniques. The instrument's historical pedigree and acoustic properties make it suitable for both period-informed performance practices and modern symphonic repertoire.
In chamber music settings, Hauser's cello blends with modern pianos, violins, and violas, demonstrating its versatility across different ensemble configurations. The instrument's projection and dynamic range allow it to be heard clearly in both intimate salon environments and large orchestral halls. Hauser has discussed