çello

Çello is the Turkish name for the instrument known in English as the cello, a bowed string instrument of the violin family. It is played upright, supported by an endpin resting on the floor, with the musician seated or standing. The instrument has four strings tuned in fifths to C2, G2, D3, and A3.

The cello’s body is a hollow wooden chamber, typically featuring a carved spruce top and maple back and ribs, connected by a neck and pegbox. External features include F holes, a tailpiece, and an endpin. Inside, a soundpost and bass bar shape resonance and projection. Modern instruments may incorporate synthetic materials or adjustments for durability and stability, but traditional construction remains common in professional use.

The cello originated in 16th-century Italy as part of the violin family and matured through the Baroque and Classical periods. Its name derives from Violoncello, meaning a small large viol. It developed into a central instrument for orchestras, chamber music, and solo repertoire, with prominent works by composers such as Bach, Haydn, and Beethoven contributing to its rich literary tradition.

In performance, the cello covers a wide range, from the low C two octaves below middle C to higher notes in the treble region, and it is valued for its warm, singing tone. It is a standard member of orchestras, often featured in string sections and as a solo instrument in recital programs and concertos.

Notable players associated with the cello include Pablo Casals, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, Jacqueline du Pré, and Steven Isserlis.