For this week’s informative blog, I decided take some time to learn about the cello. The cello is a magnificent instrument that enjoys huge popularity. This high profile instrument is popular for good reason. It’s versatility in both tone and range of pitch makes it ideal for both accompaniment and solo performance. So far I haven’t given you any good facts about the cello. Here are some of my favorites:
- Cello is actually a nickname. Its original name was violoncello. However, that was quickly shortened to simply, cello. I believe this happened for two reasons. Violoncello is simply hard to say so they just shortened it. It’s also bit of an oxymoron in Italian. Literally translated it means “small large viol.”
- A second early name for the cello was bass violin. I don’t know about you, but the idea of someone playing a cello like a violin seems a little silly to me.
- Cellos weren’t always supported by an endpin. They were originally just held up by the legs, similar to a guitar. The endpin was invented by a famous cellist who gained too much weight to be able to continue to play without a little help.
- Yo-Yo Ma does not actually own his cello! The Stradivarius he plays used to belong to Jacqueline du Pre, his predecessor. The instrument is so rare and of such high quality that it is owned by a foundation. The instrument is just on loan to Yo-Yo Ma.
The cello has a bit of a reputation for being a strictly classical instrument. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Though cello is an integral component to the classical cannon, it sees huge representation in modern music. For some amazing examples of how the cello can be used in modern music, follow this link.
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