MI: LIBRARY: INSTRUMENTS: STRINGS: CELLO

History
The cello came about during the 1500’s. It was originally a larger violin before it became its own instrument. It had a somewhat difficult start but by the 1700’s was a favorite among solo instruments.  However, it wouldn’t be until the early 1900’s that women would begin to perform on the cello. This is because having the instrument in the required position, in between the knees, was considered bery “unladylike”.

Description
Cellos, more properly called violoncellos, are bass violins played upright.  They have a very rich, sometimes haunting tone, which makes for an excellent bass or a very lyrical solo. It is generally made of wood and can play 3 1/2 octaves.

Cello Variations
Double bass: The largest violin related instrument, the double bass is a very rich instrument that plays in jazz and orchestral work. It provides a wonder foundation in orchestras and bass in jazz. They can be found almost 16ft tall! 

Viol: The viol is an instrument that the cello gradually replaced. It had frets like a guitar but was played with a bow! It has a wooden body and can play roughly three octaves.

Comments

Woops! The double bass is not a "cello variation". It has its own lineage. Also the 16 foot tall one you mentioned, is an "octobass" and there were only 3 ever made, 2 are still around in museums. Viols are in a family of their own, they are still played a lot by early music groups. Viols come in many sizes. Your description of them with frets, played with a bow is correct, but many people would disagree that cellos replaced them. The entire violin family (violins, violas, cellos, basses) superseded the viol family for a few centuries, but the viols are making a comeback now. Check out Jordi Savall (go to amazon.com and see how many recordings he has out!), and many other viol players.

Comments

i love your site and since i play the cello this was extremly helpful. thanks

Comments

in the last line of the first paragraph you have spelt 'very' wrongly you have spelt bery

Comments

I would be grateful if anyone could assist me with the following ? I recently fond a Viol instrument. The viol is fretted, but has only one string and tuning peg. it has pads for what I take to be between the knees ? I cannot find any photos of any such instrument. I imagine it would have been bowed ? Any help would be appreciated as to rarity Etc.

regards

bill hastings

Comments

I would be grateful if anyone could assist me with the following ? I recently fond a Viol instrument. The viol is fretted, but has only one string and tuning peg. it has pads for what I take to be between the knees ? I cannot find any photos of any such instrument. I imagine it would have been bowed ? Any help would be appreciated as to rarity Etc.

regards

bill hastings

Comments

WHY DONT YOU HAVE MORE ON THE BASS?!? IT IS NOT A CELLO VARIATION!! CELLOS ARE TUNED IN 5THS AND BASSES IN 4THS