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Violoncello
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 HistoryAfter the bow was applied to the lute in the 10th century, not many more changes were made until the 1300's. Characteristics began to appear in the viole. The viole was a guitar-fiddle which was both bowed and plucked. It was modified by cutting in the sides. The medieval fiddle called a rebec and the lira do braccio each had been made with four strings around 1550. They also developed lateral pegs, a waisted body, and f shaped sound holes. These improvements are still similar in structure today. People began making bowed instruments corresponding to voices at this time. The ancestors of the violin family were called the viol family, consisting of four members in the 15th century. The immediate ancestor of the cello was the viola da gamba. The violin contributed to the creation of the cello because it required a more powerful accompaniment. The violoncello was first developed in the 1500's by Andrew Amati. He transformed the viola de gamba into the violoncello. The name was derived from violone (or big viola). One such adjustment was the use of thicker strings. The cello became a solo favorite in the 1700's. The peg was soon developed for a convenient resting position for this large instrument. Top
DescriptionThe violoncello, or simply cello, is *** inches in length. It contains four strings which are thicker than the viola. The strings are tuned to C, G, d, and a (C = two C's below middle C; a = the A below middle C). . Its range is over four octaves and is the bass member of the violin family. A shorter, thicker bow is also used. The cello is tuned one octave lower than a viola, requiring a larger, longer body. The large size of the instrument requires the player to sit while playing. The cello has to be held between the knees and has a retractable peg for resting on the floor. The cello produces a rich, deep, full tone. It is one of the most versatile and
expressive instruments. It produces a good resonance due to the large, deep body.
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Sound ProductionSound is produced when the player creates a vibration when the string is rubbed by a bow, plucked, or struck. This vibrates the wooden instrument, causing the air inside to vibrate also and act as a resonator. The notes are created by the player changing the length of the string that is vibrating. This is accomplished by the player pressing a single string or multiple strings against the bridge in different places.
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