The basse de violon was tuned a whole step lower than a modern cello but was roughly the same size and shape.

The instrument is held vertically and is supported by the player's legs (rather than with an endpin as in the modern cello).

They were the direct ancestor of the modern cello.

Bass violins were usually somewhat larger than the modern cello, but tuned the same or sometimes just one step lower than it.

The continuo is played on electronic harpsichord and modern cello, the latter, the program carefully notes, with Baroque bow.

But he is not a purist but rather a practical musician and plays a modern cello if conditions make it sound better than a period instrument.

For instance, it is clear that the bow is held underhand (with the palm upwards), unlike the technique used for the modern cello or violin.

On Sunday morning he plays Britten's three unaccompanied suites, and the choice was simple: a modern cello.

It will be different, even on a modern cello.

Dieltiens plays both Baroque and modern cello.