Cello by Auguste Sébastien Bernardel "Père", Paris 1836

Bernardel Père's cellos have always been celebrated by those in the know for their impeccable craftsmanship, exceptional material selection, and outstanding sound quality. Yet, for a time, the limelight tended to favour his contemporaries, such as the illustrious Lupot and Vuillaume, casting Bernardel Père into relative obscurity. Recently, there's been a notable revival in appreciation for Bernardel Père's contributions, highlighting an opportunity to acquire an instrument crafted by one of the premier French luthiers of the 19th century at a surprisingly reasonable price. This particular cello exemplifies Bernardel's exquisite workmanship. Its sound is rich, full, and majestic—everything you would anticipate from a distinguished French cello of this era. This particular instrument has been featured in many chamber music recordings, as well as Hollywood film soundtracks. Certificate and condition report available upon request.

About Bernardel Père

Bernardel Père, as Auguste Sébastien Philippe is known, first apprenticed locally in Mirecourt before moving to Paris to work for Nicolas Lupot and, after Lupot's death in 1824, with Charles François Gand. In 1826 he opened his own shop across the street from the Gand firm, where he worked steadily for 40 years until his retirement in 1866, when he handed off the business to his sons Gustave and Ernest Auguste, who had worked with him from 1860. The brothers entered into partnership with Charles Nicolas Eugène Gand, forming a prolific and successful firm known as Gand & Bernardel Frères. Like his teacher Lupot, Bernardel preferred classical Cremonese models, especially Stradivari. Though somewhat eclipsed by the work of his contemporary J.B. Vuillaume, his instruments possess fine workmanship and good materials. His cellos are particularly well regarded.

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