Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Explore an Instrument: Cello
F E A T U R E
Explore an Instrument: Cello
History
The cello is one of the largest instruments in the violin family, second only to the double bass. Its formal name is “violoncello”, which roughly translates to “little big viola.” This pretty much sums up the inception of the cello, as it was referred to by many names and could take on a variety of sizes and roles in the ensemble. String instruments are known to have been around since at least the 1500s, though the cello came to be later on in the 1600s, in Bologna, Italy. The cello we know today has transformed from the earlier versions of it in several ways. For one, the cello hasn’t always had an endpin, players would hold the instrument with their legs (Baroque players still do this today)! Cellos have also varied in their body size over the years. This evidence can still be seen when you compare measurements of older cellos from different centuries. The fingerboard of the instrument also used to be shorter than today’s, as it was primarily used as a bass role in earlier instrumental works. As string technology advanced and composers began writing more involved music for the cello, it has been concertized much more as a solo instrument.
What is the role of the cello?
The cello can play a lot of different roles in the orchestra. It can support the bass section in providing bass lines, rhythmic ostinato, etc. but it also is given the melody quite often as well! The cello can function as bass, melody, and really everything in between.
How to play:
The cello is traditionally played while seated, supporting the instrument on either side with one’s legs. 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!
How are cello bows different from other bows?
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 violin and viola bows.
What is the typical size of a cello?
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 1⁄8 size cello, and 7⁄8 is the final size before reaching full-size.
What is the range of a cello?
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 clef as well when they reach a more advanced repertoire.
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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbFOvPZxcCc
Schubert Cello Quintet excerpt from mvt 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWSOcE55pow
Boston Cello Quartet plays La Muerte del Angel by Piazzolla:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8obDo-xCmLk
Bach Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude
(an example of someone playing in the Baroque style! -no endpin, holding cello with legs, and a Baroque bow which curves the opposite of the modern bow)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOU8WNZRi_g
To learn more about cello instructors, please visit our Cello Page.
The cello is one of the largest instruments in the violin family, second only to the double bass. Its formal name is “violoncello”, which roughly translates to “little big viola.” This pretty much sums up the inception of the cello, as it was referred to by many names and could take on a variety of sizes and roles in the ensemble. String instruments are known to have been around since at least the 1500s, though the cello came to be later on in the 1600s, in Bologna, Italy. The cello we know today has transformed from the earlier versions of it in several ways. For one, the cello hasn’t always had an endpin, players would hold the instrument with their legs (Baroque players still do this today)! Cellos have also varied in their body size over the years. This evidence can still be seen when you compare measurements of older cellos from different centuries. The fingerboard of the instrument also used to be shorter than today’s, as it was primarily used as a bass role in earlier instrumental works. As string technology advanced and composers began writing more involved music for the cello, it has been concertized much more as a solo instrument.
What is the role of the cello?
The cello can play a lot of different roles in the orchestra. It can support the bass section in providing bass lines, rhythmic ostinato, etc. but it also is given the melody quite often as well! The cello can function as bass, melody, and really everything in between.
How to play:
The cello is traditionally played while seated, supporting the instrument on either side with one’s legs. 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!
How are cello bows different from other bows?
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 violin and viola bows.
What is the typical size of a cello?
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 1⁄8 size cello, and 7⁄8 is the final size before reaching full-size.
What is the range of a cello?
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 clef as well when they reach a more advanced repertoire.
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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbFOvPZxcCc
Schubert Cello Quintet excerpt from mvt 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWSOcE55pow
Boston Cello Quartet plays La Muerte del Angel by Piazzolla:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8obDo-xCmLk
Bach Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude
(an example of someone playing in the Baroque style! -no endpin, holding cello with legs, and a Baroque bow which curves the opposite of the modern bow)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOU8WNZRi_g
To learn more about cello instructors, please visit our Cello Page.