About the Cello:
The cello is the second largest bowed string instrument and carries the torch in symphony orchestras behind the double bass.
The word cello comes from ‘violincello’, and plays the bass roll in any string quartet and chamber group.
Because the cello’s voice is so low and has been compared to that of the human voice, many sonatas and concertos have been written completely for cellos. One of the most famous collection of suites entitled Prelude by J.S. Bach, was written solely for the cello. There are even pieces written solely for the as many as four or more cellos or “cello choir”.
It was in the 20th century when cello repertoire really started to grow, mostly in part, by a virtuoso cellist named Mstislav Rostropovich who was responsible for dozens of works with the main focus being on the cello.
Traditionally, cellos are made with a spruce top and maple sides, neck, and back, although in some cases, alternative materials such as aluminum or carbon fibers are also used.
A huge difference between a cello and its smaller family members the violin and viola, is that one must be seated in order to correctly play the cello. The cello rests on top of its endpin or the little metal stick that can be pulled out or pushed back in by loosening or tightening the screw at the base. Once the cellist is seated and ready to begin playing, the left hand is positioned along the string which then determines each note’s pitch. If the strings are depressed close to the bridge, then a high pitch is produced, shortening the length of the vibrations in the string. Curved fingers and a bent knuckle help the fingers remain in contact with the strings.
Tons of popular music from the past and today has incorporated the cello into its repertoire and sound, including that of The Beatles in the 60’s with such songs as “Strawberry Field Forever” and “Eleanor Rigby”. Mainstream rock group Arcade Fire has also used cello for a number of their songs, and it seems like the trend isn’t near stopping anytime. The age of the cello, its maker, its appearance, sound, and who performs with it all help make a cello stand out in the limelight and be coveted by other cellists. Noteworthy cellos are definitely collector’s items, such as the Vuitton Foundation owned David Strativarius which is on loan solely to Yo-Yo Ma .
Famous cellists include Yo-Yo Ma, Carlos Prieto, Jacqueline Mary Du Pre, and Soo Bae.
The word cello comes from ‘violincello’, and plays the bass roll in any string quartet and chamber group.
Because the cello’s voice is so low and has been compared to that of the human voice, many sonatas and concertos have been written completely for cellos. One of the most famous collection of suites entitled Prelude by J.S. Bach, was written solely for the cello. There are even pieces written solely for the as many as four or more cellos or “cello choir”.
It was in the 20th century when cello repertoire really started to grow, mostly in part, by a virtuoso cellist named Mstislav Rostropovich who was responsible for dozens of works with the main focus being on the cello.
Traditionally, cellos are made with a spruce top and maple sides, neck, and back, although in some cases, alternative materials such as aluminum or carbon fibers are also used.
A huge difference between a cello and its smaller family members the violin and viola, is that one must be seated in order to correctly play the cello. The cello rests on top of its endpin or the little metal stick that can be pulled out or pushed back in by loosening or tightening the screw at the base. Once the cellist is seated and ready to begin playing, the left hand is positioned along the string which then determines each note’s pitch. If the strings are depressed close to the bridge, then a high pitch is produced, shortening the length of the vibrations in the string. Curved fingers and a bent knuckle help the fingers remain in contact with the strings.
Tons of popular music from the past and today has incorporated the cello into its repertoire and sound, including that of The Beatles in the 60’s with such songs as “Strawberry Field Forever” and “Eleanor Rigby”. Mainstream rock group Arcade Fire has also used cello for a number of their songs, and it seems like the trend isn’t near stopping anytime. The age of the cello, its maker, its appearance, sound, and who performs with it all help make a cello stand out in the limelight and be coveted by other cellists. Noteworthy cellos are definitely collector’s items, such as the Vuitton Foundation owned David Strativarius which is on loan solely to Yo-Yo Ma .
Famous cellists include Yo-Yo Ma, Carlos Prieto, Jacqueline Mary Du Pre, and Soo Bae.
