Cello is a classical music instrument that is a significant part of any orchestra, paving the way for musicians to implement classical music into modern music.
The Cello is a bowed instrument that has four strings and is the closest cousin of the violin. It is one of the most sophisticated musical instruments in human history. For hundreds of years, it has been gracing us with its warm and blissful sounds, which are a lot closer to the range of human pitch. It has been used as both solos and in orchestras mostly in Western music for decades. Though it is a well-recognized instrument, the history of how it came to be is quite interesting.
The invention:
In ancient times before the A.D., people used stringed instruments such as harp for music. The first versions of the cello were introduced at that time and the bow was included after that. In the thirteenth century paintings, there is picturization of early forms of violins, which later evolved from the Byzantine-Greek lira and rebec. These instruments were gradually divided into two parts based on their methods of playing. The viola de braccio meant arm and viola de Gamba meant leg. Viola de gamba was the most preferred instrument and liked by the aristocrats. But the violin family of today all originated from the viola de braccio design.
In the first half of the sixteenth century, the renowned violin makers of Europe started creating an instrument that became the modern cello. People like luthiers Andrea Amati, Gasparo da Salo, and Paolo Maggini hold the credit for the first violin designs, which were then called violone. The instrument then was much bigger and larger than its modern counterpart mostly because the lower pitches were hard to accomplish unless the instrument was large in size.
More solidified design:
The instrument featuring F2, C3, G3, and D4 tunings were mostly as large bass instruments as long as 2’8” long or as small as 2 and a half-inch short. The metal wound strings invented in 1659 made the existence of these instruments. Between 1700 and 1710, the interest in reducing the size of the instrument increased and we are left with the modern-day cello.
The cello made by Antonio Stradivari has the size of the modern cello. After 1710, he was making cellos that were between the two original sizes. In Europe, luthiers followed his design, and many modern cellos are designed this way.
Bach’s Six Suites was the first major work written for the instrument. The change in the design of the cello continued during the 1800s and the early 1900s. The most recognizable change that was made is the endpin rod which helps with the balance.
Modern cello:
Cellos are highly popular even today. It has been used in several musical genres due to its exceptional acoustic flow. The subgenre of rock, cello rock has a massive fan following featuring gothic music with a touch of classical music.
They are part of most of the symphony orchestras with more than eight cellists. They are a critical part of the orchestra providing great support to other instruments. People also play solo in various events. In cello concertos, a solo cello performance is followed by an orchestra. Many such are solos are composed by iconic composers like Bach, Haydn, Dvořák, Vivaldi, Boccherini, and more. Some of the greatest cellists of all time are Mstislav Rostropovich, Yo-Yo Ma, Jacqueline du Pré, Pablo Casals, and many more.
Interesting facts about the cello
Here are some of the most compelling facts about Cello:
- The real name of the instrument was not intended to cello; it’s just a nickname. The full name of the cello is violoncello. In Italian, it means ‘small-large voil’.
- The plural form of the cello is both celli and cellos.
- In earlier days, the cellos used in orchestras used to have coarser black hair on a heavier bow. And in the solo cello performances, they had white hair on a lighter bow.
- The neck of the cello is slanted backward because that way the downward force applied on the bridge by the cellist is increased. That way it produces a louder sound which is important in orchestras.
- In earlier days, before the 18th century, the cellists used to support the cello and keep it upright using their legs only. The endpin in modern cellos that helps with the balance was invented by S.F. Servais who was a performer and tutor, being unable to support his cello only by his legs.
- Cello strings used to be made of sheep gut in the beginning. But now metal wiring is mostly used in making cello strings.
- During the time between the 17th and 18th centuries, the cellos used to have five strings in Germany and Flemish and Dutch areas, unlike the modern cellos that have four strings.
- Vibrato is a common and effective technique that intensifies long notes. It is also called close shake or tremolo.
Armed with a rich historical background and intense sonic beauty, the cello proves to be a unique and fascinating instrument. Its versatility has given it the power to stay relevant even in modern times.