The Adventures of a Cello by Carlos Prieto

When I first found out about this book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I was taken back by Prieto's originality and ecstatic about the possibilities this book could achieve. However, I set my hopes too high. Only one third of the three hundred+ page book was devoted to the adventures of Prieto's cello. The rest was a well written history of cello making and its music. If it wasn't for Prieto's love for the instrument, the book would have been a boring read indeed.

Beginning with the history of cello making, including its construction and definition of parts, readers are taken on a journey through time from the day the Piatta came into existence to its current place and time, providing a unique perspective on the history of our world. You'll also learn about the life of Carlos Prieto and his incredible metamorphosis from businessman to music-man and the history of cello music. Although the book is easy to read and well written, I feel as if the history of cello music and cello making were only added as fluff. The travels of the cello alone is worth its own book. The history portions of the book are a little dry, but none the less interesting to read. Overall, The Adventures of a Cello is definitely a book for lovers of "all things cello." For others, well, maybe a good classical music recording of Carlos Prieto would be better.