Cello

By 1529 a 3-stringed instrument was made, probably in Italy. About a century later it was called "violincello", which is Italian for "small double bass". That is what we get the word "cello" from. Late in the 1600’s, composers began writing music for the cello. It played the bass in the early days of the string quartet, only occasionally taking the melody. It became distinct in symphony orchestras and in chamber music in the 1700’s and 1800’s. The cello was used for many years to strengthen the bass section of church choirs.

The cello is the second largest of the string section. It is the tenor or baritone of the string family. The notes have a deep, warm tone. Of all the strings, the rich, singing sound of the cello make it sound the most like a human voice. Some people believe it is the most expressive instrument in the orchestra. In string quartets the cello usually plays the lowest notes.