Sellalaulu

Sellalaulu is a Finnish term that translates to "cello song" or "cello music." It generally refers to vocal music that is accompanied by a cello, or instrumental music for the cello that evokes a vocal quality. The term is not a strict musical genre but rather a descriptive phrase used to highlight the expressive and melodic capabilities of the cello, often in a lyrical or song-like manner.

The cello's rich tone and wide range allow it to imitate many aspects of the human voice, including its nuances of emotion and phrasing. Therefore, sellalaulu can encompass a variety of musical styles, from classical cello sonatas and concertos to more contemporary compositions. Composers who focus on creating deeply melodic and expressive cello parts might be said to be writing sellalaulu, even if the term itself is not explicitly stated in the work's title.

Performance practice also plays a role in the concept of sellalaulu. A cellist who imbues their playing with a vocal-like expressiveness, employing vibrato, dynamics, and articulation to convey emotion and narrative, is embodying the spirit of sellalaulu. This emphasis on singing through the instrument connects the cello to a long tradition of vocal music and highlights its potential as a solo voice.