Table of Contents
What does the cello belong to?
violin family
In terms of its history, construction and sound the cello belongs to the violin family. Nevertheless if differs from the violin and viola in two points: the playing position and fingering. Playing position: because of its size the cello is played in the upright position (like the viola da gamba).
Why is it called cello?
The name cello is derived from the ending of the Italian violoncello, which means “little violone”. Violone (“big viola”) was a large-sized member of viol (viola da gamba) family or the violin (viola da braccio) family. It is now customary to use “cello” without apostrophe as the full designation.
Is the harp in the percussion family?
A: The harp sound originates in a ‘percussed’ string; thus it is considered both a string and a percussion instrument.
Why is the harp in the string family?
In addition, the harp is also considered a part of the string family. The musician plays the instrument by drawing a bow across the strings, making them vibrate, and thus produce a sound that is again amplified by the instrument’s hollow body.
What is another name for the cello?
Cello
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Violoncello |
| HornbostelâSachs classification | 321.322-71 (Composite chordophone sounded by a bow) |
| Developed | c. 1660 from bass violin |
| Playing range |
How many types of cellos are there?
They are typically classified into four levels: beginner, intermediate, performer, and top-line.
What are facts about the cello?
The word cello originally meant “little large viola” The word cello comes from the Violoncello.
Who made the first cello?
The cello was invented by an Italian man, Andrea Amati, in the mid 1500s.
Who invented the cello?
It was Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) who developed the cello size that we know today. After 1710, he began making cellos that measured between the original two sizes, and luthiers around Europe followed his example (many of his original cellos are still being played today).
Is a cello a bass instrument?
The cello is considered a tenor instrument in some orchestral settings, but in a string quartet it is the bass instrument. Examples grouped by general form and playing technique include: Double bass from the viol or violin family (usually the instrument referred to as a “bass” in European classical music and jazz.