Bernhard Romberg

Bernhard Heinrich Romberg (November 13, 1767 – August 13, 1841) was a German cellist and composer.

Together with his cousin, he later joined the court orchestra of the Prince Elector Archbishop of Cologne in Bonn (conducted by the Kapellmeister Andrea Luchesi) in 1790, where they met the young Beethoven.

He lengthened the cello's fingerboard and flattened the side under the C string, thus giving it more freedom to vibrate.

He suggested that half-size and 3/4 size cellos should be designed to make it easier for young children to play the instrument.

Romberg is thought to be among the first cellists to perform from memory, which was a skill praised highly in his day.