In the introduction to "Ten American Cello Etudes", Minsky speaks about how in the past composers were able to bend music in order to reflect their time period and country. He argues that certain instruments like the guitar and bass were able to make the transition into modern popular music while the cello was assigned a "dignified yet restricted" role.
Minsky's opening remarks in "Ten American Cello Etudes" examine how composers of the past were able to shape their music according to their era and national identity. He argues that instruments such as the guitar and bass have successfully transitioned into modern popular music, whereas the cello was confined to a more dignified yet limited role.