What is a cello?

Answer 1

The cello or violoncello

1. Is a Bowed, stringed instrument,
2. It is the bass member of the violin family.
3. Its full name means "little violone"-i.e., "little big viol." and Its shape is similar to the violin.
4. The players hold its body between the legs, with its weight supported a metal spike called an end pin, that sits on the floor.
5. It has four strings, tuned an octave below those of the viola.
6. The cello was developed in the early 16th century.
7. It eventualy displaced the bass viola da gamba in the 18th century, particularly as a continuo instrument.
8. It has been essential to chamber music ensembles for more then 200 years.
9. The modern orchestra has 6 to 16 cellos.
10. It has been increasingly used as the 19th and 20th centuries progressed as a solo instrument.
11. It produces a deep, mellow sound, but it is very loud.

Answer 2

The second largest instrument in the string family is the cello.

Answer 3

The cello is part of the string family. It is also part of a sub-family within the string family, the violin family.