cselló

Cselló, the Hungarian name for the instrument commonly known in English as the cello, is a bowed string instrument of the violin family. It is pitched an octave below the viola and is a central voice in orchestras and in chamber music. The instrument is typically played in a seated position, held between the knees with an endpin resting on the floor, and it produces a rich, singing tone across a wide range.

The cello has a carved wooden body with a spruce top, maple back and sides, a fingerboard, pegbox, and a rounded neck ending in a scroll. It has four strings tuned from low to high as C2, G2, D3, and A3. Sound is produced through f-holes, with a soundpost and bass bar inside aiding resonance. Modern cellos use steel or synthetic-core strings. The instrument’s range covers deep bass notes up to the upper tenor and treble regions, enabling both melodic lead lines and harmonic support.

History and development: The cello evolved in Italy during the 16th–17th centuries from the viola da gamba family. Early makers include Andrea Amati, and the instrument achieved a prominent repertoire and established role in both Baroque and later classical ensembles. It has since become a standard element of orchestras and a staple of solo and chamber music.

Playing technique and repertoire: Cellists use arco (bowing) for most music and pizzicato for plucked passages. The instrument anchors the harmonic foundation of ensembles and offers a wide solo repertoire, including Bach’s Cello Suites and works by Beethoven, Dvořák, and Saint-Saëns. Contemporary composers have expanded its techniques and applications.

Sizes and usage: Available in full size (4/4) and fractional sizes for younger players, cellos vary in construction and setup. They are widely used in classical music, film scores, and modern genres, reflecting both historical tradition and ongoing innovation.