Violonchelo

Violonchelo, commonly called the cello in English, is a bowed string instrument of the violin family. It is pitched an octave below the viola and is played in an upright position, resting on the floor with the endpin extended. The instrument has four strings, usually tuned from low to high as C2, G2, D3, and A3, and it is used both with a bow and by plucking (pizzicato).

The cello’s body is carved from wood, typically with a spruce top and maple back and ribs, and features an ebony fingerboard and fittings. The instrument is held between the player’s knees, supported by the left hand on the fingerboard and the right hand drawing the bow across the strings. Modern cellos come in various sizes, with 4/4 being the standard full size; smaller sizes (e.g., 7/8, 1/2) are used for children or advancing students. Strings are usually steel or synthetic-core, and players may use different string sets and mutes to alter tone.

Origins of the violonchelo trace to the 16th–17th centuries in Italy, evolving from the viol family. Luthiers such as the Amatis, Guarneris, and later Stradivari contributed to its design, leading to the modern instrument widely used in classical music. The cello developed into essential roles in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and as a solo instrument, with a vast repertoire that includes both baroque and contemporary works.

Technique and repertoire emphasize expressive facility, including left-hand shifting, vibrato, and a range of bowing styles. In addition to classical contexts, the cello appears in various contemporary and crossover genres, film scores, and experimental music.