Second in popularity only to the violin, distinguished by its size, tuning, and sound, the cello, or violoncello, with its dark and somber tones, is considered the most romantic and expressive string instrument, featuring a timbre closest to the human voice. A solo interpreter of melodies with strong emotional content, it also plays a fundamental role in orchestral music.

Its versatility has also made it an important instrument in pop music, R&B, country, and rock (consider the iconic “MTV Unplugged in New York” concert recorded by Nirvana in 1993). In the following paragraphs, we will explore all the characteristics that have made the cello famous, from its history to its components and how it is played.

Cello: A Brief History

The cello descends from a Renaissance instrument similar to the violin called the bass viola da braccio, which was played resting on the shoulder. Although there is no precise date marking the birth of the cello, it is believed to have first appeared in Italy during the second half of the 16th century. Its relatively late emergence compared to the violin is linked to the medieval Western taste, which favored higher-pitched, nasal sounds.

The origin of the word “violoncello” is much debated, but the most accepted theory suggests it means “small violone“, with “violone” itself meaning large viola.

The first cello makers were Andrea Amati, a renowned Cremonese luthier, and Gasparo da Salò, considered the inventor of the violin. Historically, their cellos were larger than those of today, but over time they were downsized, and natural gut strings began to be covered with a thin metal coating. The cello achieved its definitive form, size, and tuning in the early 18th century, in instruments crafted by the famous Cremonese luthier Antonio Stradivari.

A few decades later, the first cello methods appeared. One notable date is 1741, when French composer Michel Corrette published the first cello method in history, “Méthode théorique et pratique pour apprendre en peu de temps le violoncelle dans sa perfection.” One of the most famous methods is that of German cellist Dotzauer, written in the early 19th century, which is still in use today.

By the mid-19th century, the endpin was introduced for support. Before its invention, cellists would support the instrument with their legs while resting it on a small stool.

Playing the Cello

For a long time, the cello was used almost exclusively for basso continuo (long notes on the same pitch), which served as accompaniment for voices or higher-pitched instruments. It began to emerge from its role as a bass instrument only at the end of the 17th century, in compositions by Bononcini, Ariosti, Gabrielli, and other performers who helped elevate the cello to the rank of solo instrument, although it never achieved the widespread use of the violin.

The greatest composers of all time have written for this instrument, from J.S. Bach (his Suite No. 1 for cello is considered the greatest piece ever written for the instrument) to Boccherini, a distinguished cellist from Lucca credited with founding the first historically documented stable string quartet.

Among the most important cellists of the neoclassical period are Franz Schubert (Sonata in A Minor D821 for cello and piano), Franz Joseph Haydn, and Ludwig van Beethoven. From the Romantic period onward, notable figures include Robert Schumann (Cello Concerto in A Minor), Claude Debussy, Zoltán Kodály (Solo Cello Sonata Op. 8), and Dmitri Shostakovich (Cello Concerto No. 1 Op. 107). Among the great innovators of the 20th century is Spanish cellist Pablo Casals.

In addition to its prominent presence in classical music, the cello is also used in jazz and other musical genres, albeit to a lesser extent. It can be found, for instance, in some pop, rock, and heavy metal tracks (e.g., Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Oasis, Sinéad O’Connor, Evanescence, Apocalyptica).

Characteristics and Components of the Cello

The cello, also known as “violoncello“, is a musical instrument belonging to the string family, played by drawing the bow across its strings. It has the shape of an elongated figure-eight, is twice the size of a viola, and features a body approximately 75 cm long and a long neck. It has four strings tuned in perfect fifths (A, D, G, C), an octave below the viola. Despite its lower pitch than the viola, its timbre is warm, intense, and vibrant; among string instruments, it has the widest range, coming closest to the human voice.

Like all string instruments, the cello consists of a body that amplifies the sound. The top is made of spruce, while the back and sides are made of maple wood, as evidenced by streaks called “flames.” The sound is emitted through two f-shaped holes cut into the soundboard. The neck, attached to the body, holds the fingerboard, typically arched, where the musician’s fingers move. The neck ends in the scroll, the most decorative part of the instrument. Then there’s the bridge, also made of maple, which supports the strings.

Located between the soundboard and the back is the soundpost, a small wooden cylinder whose position determines the quality and richness of the sound. Opposite this is the bass bar, a spruce bar designed to propagate vibrations along the soundboard. At the lower end of the cello is the endpin, which can be made of steel, wood, or carbon fiber.

The cello produces sound by drawing a bow across its strings, a curved wooden stick strung with horsehair.

Building a cello requires highly specialized work: the quality of its varnish and the slightest variations in wood thickness and shaping greatly affect its strengths and weaknesses.

How to Play

Cello performance is extremely challenging because sounds are produced by pressing the fingers on specific points on the fingerboard that must be identified with minimal visual reference points.

The cello is played while seated, with the endpin resting on the floor. The endpin can be lengthened or shortened to adjust the height, and the instrument is held between the legs. The back should remain perfectly straight, supported by the sitting bones.

To play the cello, both hands are used: the left-hand fingers press the strings while the right hand moves the bow, making the strings vibrate. The player may also use the “pizzicato” technique, plucking the strings with the fingertip and releasing them.

The ideal age to start learning the cello is between 6 and 10 years old, provided the child uses an instrument of the appropriate size.

Cello Prices

For beginners, an industrial model, usually made from laminated materials, costs around 300-400 euros. However, in terms of sound, factory cellos cannot match luthier-made instruments, which are crafted from top-quality materials, take about six months to make, and can cost up to 15-20 thousand euros.