cello
Sign in to saveThe violoncello ( , ), commonly abbreviated as cello ( ), is a medium-low pitched bowed string instrument of the violin family. Its four strings are usually tuned in perfect fifths: from low to high, C2, G2, D3 and A3. The viola's four strings are each an octave higher. Music for the cello is generally written in the bass clef; the tenor clef and treble clef are used for higher-range passages.
AI overview
The cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings that produces medium-low pitched sounds and belongs to the violin family. It's an important instrument in orchestras and chamber music ensembles because its deep, resonant tones fill a crucial range between the higher-pitched violins and the lowest bass instruments.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Instrument.name
- Cello
- Instrument.names
- Violoncello
- Instrument.image
- Cello front side.png
- Instrument.image_capt
- Cello, front and side view.
- Instrument.background
- string
- Instrument.hornbostel_sachs
- 321.322-71
- Instrument.hornbostel_sachs_desc
- Composite chordophone sounded by a bow
- Instrument.developed
- 1660 from bass violin
- Instrument.range
- 130px|center
- Instrument.related
- Violin family (violin, viola) Double bass
- Instrument.sound sample
- thumb|center |Bach, Cello Suite no. 1 in G major
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
33 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- General description
- Tuning
- Works
- History
- Modern use
- Orchestral
- Solo
- Quartets and other ensembles
- Popular music, jazz, world music and neoclassical
- Construction
- Alternative materials
- Neck, fingerboard, pegbox, and scroll
- Strings
- Tailpiece and endpin
- Bridge and f-holes
- Internal features
- Glue
- Bow
- Physics
- Physical aspects
- Playing technique
- Sizes
- Accessories
- Instrument makers
- Cellists
- Famous instruments
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Sources
- Further reading
- External links
The violoncello ( , ), commonly abbreviated as cello ( ), is a medium-low pitched bowed string instrument of the violin family. Its four strings are usually tuned in perfect fifths: from low to high, C2, G2, D3 and A3. The viola's four strings are each an octave higher. Music for the cello is generally written in the bass clef; the tenor clef and treble clef are used for higher-range passages.
Played by a cellist or violoncellist, the instrument enjoys a large solo repertoire with and without accompaniment, as well as numerous concerti. As a solo instrument, the cello uses its whole range, from bass to soprano, and in chamber music, such as string quartets and the orchestra's string section, it often plays the bass part, where it may be reinforced an octave lower by the double basses. Figured bass music of the Baroque era typically assumes a cello, viola da gamba or bassoon as part of the basso continuo group alongside chordal instruments such as organ, harpsichord, lute, or theorbo. Cellos are found in many other ensembles, from modern Chinese orchestras (as a replacement of Gehu 革胡）to cello rock bands.