The results of ABC Classic and ABC Jazz's 2023 Classic 100 Countdown have been announced, revealing that the cello is Australia's favorite instrument. Out of the 326 different instruments nominated, the cello emerged as the winner, receiving over 170,000 votes. This makes it the second-most popular ABC Classic Countdown poll in the past 22 years. The piano and violin secured the second and third spots respectively, but the cello triumphed across all Australian states and territories.
The cello is renowned for its melodious tone and its versatility spanning four octaves. Renowned cellists like Jacqueline du Pré, Yo-Yo Ma, and Steven Isserlis have made it their weapon of choice. The cello has consistently featured in the top rankings of past ABC Classic 100 Countdowns, with Elgar's Cello Concerto claiming the 5th spot in the 2007 ranking of concertos and the 1st spot in the 2011 ranking of the best 20th century music.
ABC Classic and ABC Jazz Content Manager, Kat McGuffie, expressed her satisfaction with this year's Countdown, stating that it expanded musical horizons and connected with audiences from diverse backgrounds. The team drew inspiration from their own stories and the stories of listeners, creating a shared experience of appreciating and celebrating the greatest music of all time.
In addition to the cello, other instruments that ranked highly included the oboe in fourth place, followed by the clarinet, guitar, organ, harp, choir, and trumpet. Surprisingly, the Australian didgeridoo made it to the 15th spot. The string and wind families were equally favored by voters, each receiving 26% of the votes, while percussion instruments garnered 22%.
Among vocal soloists, tenors secured the 17th place, although they were overshadowed by choirs. Some unconventional choices also made it to the list, such as the gum leaf at #91, the typewriter at #85, and the cannon at #79.
Every continent, except Antarctica, had at least one instrument chosen by voters, demonstrating the global reach of the poll.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the Classic 100 announcement with two performances on June 22nd and 23rd. Australian soloists Slava Grigoryan (guitarist), Andrea Lam (pianist), Richard Narroway (cellist), and Emily Sun (violinist) will join the orchestra to perform a selection of Australian and international compositions by artists like Westlake, Hindson, Williams, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninov.
Megan Burslem, the presenter of Classic Breakfast, who previously shared her choice for the best voice, described the question of favorite instruments as a journey of identity, history, and cultural connection. It was an exploration of the diverse musical experiences that shape people's lives.
