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 See more

The violin family, including cello-sized instruments, emerged c. 1500 as a family of instruments distinct from the viola da gamba family. The earliest depictions of the violin family, from … See more

The cello is typically made from carved wood, although other materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum may be used. A traditional cello has a See more

Playing the cello is done while seated with the instrument supported on the floor by the endpin. The right hand bows (or sometimes plucks) the strings to sound the notes. The left-hand fingertips stop the strings along their length, determining the pitch of each … See more

Tuning
Cellos are tuned in fifths, starting with C2 (two octaves below middle C), followed by G2, D3, and then A3. It is tuned in the exact same intervals … See more

Orchestral
Cellos are part of the standard symphony orchestra, which usually includes eight to twelve cellists. The cello section, in standard orchestral … See more

Physical aspects
When a string is bowed or plucked, it vibrates and moves the air around it, producing sound waves. Because the string is quite thin, … See more