Explore the Cello
Q: What is the cello’s formal name?
A: The cello’s formal name is “violoncello,” which roughly translates to “little big viola.”
Q: How does the cello fit into the violin family?
A: The cello is one of the largest instruments in the violin family, second only to the double bass.
Q: When and where did the cello first emerge?
A: The cello emerged in the 1600s in Bologna, Italy.
Q: How did the cello evolve from its earlier versions?
A: The modern cello has changed in size, structure, and design. For instance, earlier versions did not have an endpin – players held the instrument between their legs.
Q: Did cello sizes remain consistent over time?
A: No, cello sizes have varied throughout history, which can be seen by comparing measurements of older instruments from different centuries.
Q: How was the cello’s fingerboard different in earlier times?
A: The fingerboard was shorter because the cello primarily played a bass role in early instrumental music.
Q: How did the cello become a solo instrument?
A: As string technology improved and composers began writing more complex music for the cello, it gained prominence as a concert and solo instrument.
Q: What is the role of the cello?
A: The cello can play a lot of different roles in the orchestra. It can support the bass section in providing bass lines and rhythmic ostinatos, but it also often gives the melody. The cello can function as both bass and melody, and everything in between.
Q: How do you play the cello?
A: The cello is traditionally played while seated, with one’s legs supporting the instrument on either side. Earlier cellos did not have an endpin; the player would hold the instrument up with their legs! This practice is still done in Baroque settings, but most cellos today have endpins. There have been recent additions to cello technique, and some famous cellists even play standing up by using a special strap!
Q: How are cello bows different from other bows?
A: Believe it or not, cello bows are shorter than violin and viola bows! The larger the instrument, the shorter and heftier the bow is, as cello bows are longer and lighter in weight than bass bows. While the stick is relatively short, it makes up for this in stature. The frog and tip of the bow are considerably larger than those of violin and viola bows.
Q: What is the typical size of a cello?
A: Most grown players play on full-size (4/4) cellos. There are many fractional sizes for younger students to play, and they can size up as they go. Younger students often start on a 1/8-size cello, and 7/8 is the final size before reaching full size.
Q: What is the range of a cello?
A: The cello has an impressively large range and can cover up to five octaves, whereas most other string instruments reach around four. Cellists read music using bass clef, but learn to read tenor and treble clefs as well when they get a more advanced repertoire.
Q: Who are some famous cellists I should listen to?
- Mstislav Rostropovich
- Zara Nelsova
- Natalia Gutman
- Jacqueline du Pre
- Sheku Kanneh-Mason
- Yo Yo Ma
- Truls Mork
- Lynn Harrell
- Jean-Guihen Queyras
Cello Pieces to Listen to
Pas des Deux from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker
Schubert Cello Quintet, excerpt from movement 1
Boston Cello Quartet, La Muerte del Angel by Piazzolla
Bach Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude
An example of someone playing in the Baroque style! No endpin, holding cello with their legs, and a Baroque bow which curves the opposite way of the modern bow
Interested in learning cello? Visit our Music Teacher page to find more about our instructors and how they can help you achieve your musical goals.
About the Author
Our Explore Musical Instruments series of articles were written for and contributed to Note-worthy Experiences® Music Studio by current and past music instructors. We appreciate their generosity in sharing their experiences and expertise!
