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 ...  Read the complete review

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 ...  Read the complete review

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. ...  Read the complete review

I started playing the cello when I was 10 years old. It went on to be one of the best things I ever did, and opened up so many opportunities to me. Before taking up the cello, I played the recorder and piano, but when we were given the chance by the school to take up a different instrument, I plumped for the cello. I don’t really know why, but I’m glad I did. It’s not the most common instrument to play, so cellists are always, in my experience, welcome at any orchestral group. Playing in an orchestra is one of the best things I’ve ever done – it’s great fun (as well as hard work) and you get to play some of the most wonderful ...  Read the complete review

Since the age of 8 (that'll be 9 years now) i've been playing the cello. The enjoyment that i've got out of this marvellous instrument is pleantiful. I have been playing in the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra for 3 years now and this summer we are going on tour to Chile. The opportunities you get once you join an orchestra are great. I've played in concerts in many venues across the South, like the Anvil in Basingstoke, I've played in the Royal Albert Hall (an experience that was so great i guess i'll never forget it), and have a day of coaching every year from the LSO (London Symphony Orchestra). I wouldn't swap these kind of things for ...  Read the complete review