Testimonials
I have known Curtis Bryant for many years, and thanks to him I was fortunate enough to obtain a 1790 William Forster cello some years ago. As an admirer of his mastery of all things connected to the world of the cello, I recommend him in the highest terms.
Lewis Lockwood
Peabody Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
Co-director Boston University Center for Beethoven Research
As an instrument maker
I have had the pleasure of working with Curt Bryant for almost forty years now. Robert Koff, the unforgettable violinist of the original Juilliard Quartet, first introduced him to me. Since that time, I’ve had the pleasure of playing several lovely instruments made by Curt, including one made for me. His most recent cello is exceptional in its rich, complex and powerful tone. It has a sound that easily rivals the old, Italian instruments and sets Curt apart as one of the best living makers today.
As an instrument dealer
The person I thank for finding my extraordinary Landolfi cello is Curt Bryant. I had been looking for the right instrument for close to ten years. Curt had the knowledge and insight to find the perfect instrument for me as well as the remarkable skill to bring it into playing shape.
Curt has found a number of beautiful instruments for my students. His knowledge of cellos is truly vast. I am astounded by the discoveries he has made and the valuable information he has given my students and myself.
Rhonda Rider
Head of Strings, Cello faculty, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Cello Faculty, Boston University
I am delighted to give my highest endorsement to the renowned luthier, Curtis Bryant. The beautiful Strad-model cello that he made for me, which I first played in the Boston Symphony, was integral in my ability to win an audition for associate principal of the New York Philharmonic. After the audition concluded, committee members told me that in screened rounds as well as in the finals my beautiful five-years old Bryant cello was identified as one of the two or three great (presumed old!) cellos they had heard in the auditions. Subsequently while sitting in the principal chair at the Philharmonic for the next ten years, I played many solos on the Strad model cello, as well as an equally beautiful Guadagnini- model cello which Curt made for me. Curt’s cellos always possess a depth of tone, great personality, and wonderful projection whether I play as an orchestral soloist, recitalist, or chamber musician. They say that no instrument plays itself, but I know that Curt’s cellos have made it possible for many players (including me) to fully realize their instrumental abilities and to find their musical “Voice”.
Curtis Bryant has also been immensely helpful to me and so many of my students as a highly knowledgeable and trusted dealer of instruments. I am always eager to recommend him to anyone looking to purchase a new instrument or bow because I completely trust his judgment, professionalism, and impeccable honesty in the representation of an instrument’s pedigree, condition and fair value. Additionally, Curt is a true gentleman in all ways , who treats the needs of students and amateur musicians with the same respect and seriousness as those of established professional musicians of the highest level. It is rare to find a person of such quality and integrity in any field, and Curtis Bryant, an artist of the highest caliber, is one such person. I am happy to be counted as one of his biggest fans!
Alan Stepansky
Professor of Cello and Chair of the Strings Department, Peabody Institute of John Hopkins University
Cello Faculty Manhattan School of Music
Artist Faculty, Music Academy of the West
Former Associate Principal New York Philharmonic
