Cellos

First the basic facts. The 'cello (full name Violoncello) has been part of the concert orchestra since the 16th century. It's a member of the string family, being larger and deeper in range than the violin and viola, but smaller and higher than the mighty double bass. It's made of wood (usually maple, spruce or pine) while the strings (of which there are 4) were traditionally catgut, but are now typically metal. The bow is made of wood with horse hair strung across it. The 'cello was solely an orchestral instrument until the time of JS Bach when his 'cello suites showed its potential and popularised it as a solo instrument. Its ...

Traditionaly the cello is regarded as a classical instrument, that I guess it is as it was devised in the classical music period. However the cello is a very versatile and beautiful instrument. Not many people can tell when a cello is playing or not but once you learn there is no mistaking it. The sound is very clam, soothing, relaxing and very very mellow, that of course if the player chooses to play it like that. The cello has been used by many famous bands either as a keeping time tool or as the melody producer, these bands range from the like of The Beatles to Radiohead. In short the cello is very versatile, but there is no sweeter sound than the mellow ...

I have been playing the 'cello for 5 years now and I still enjoy it as much as I first did. The 'cello, as well as sounding wonderful, can be played in all sorts of music. Bach wrote lovely 'cello music and Radiohead have used its sound on their albums. Playing the 'cello involves a large amount of practice so you must be prepared for this before buying. I know that classical music is not thought of much, certainly by people of my generation, but by playing the 'cello you will be shown classical music at its best. ...