The current use of the cello in an orchestra is to support the violins with bass sounds and sometimes a secondary melody. Some orchestras play pieces in which the cello plays the melody. In a typical ochestra, however, the cello is an important but not direly needed part. The cello also provides depth and harmony to the orchestra. While the cello has a very deep sound, the bass is even deeper.

 Antonio Dvorak first gave the cello a important role in orchestra with his concerto (opera 104; 1895). Before this time, the cello was given more of a secondary role in orchestral playing, playing with the double bass. From the 1700s onward, the cello was a popular solo instrument. The cello is still a large part of the musical ensemble. The cello is a well-known orchestra instrument, and a excellent solo one, too.