Rhydian Shaxson discusses the cello:
First, the instrument itself:
Next, the strings and the character of the instrument:
Finally, the cello section of the orchestra:
It is important to bear in mind that the notion of cantabile is inherent to the cello:
Cantabile works well in the low register as well as the high:
There are normally four strings on a cello, tuned to C2, G2, D3, A3.
Scroll = curved end of the cello
Peg = device for tuning strings (by altering their tension)
Peg box = the frame that holds the pegs
Nut = the ridge on the edge of the peg box that supports
the strings
Neck = the extension from the body of the cello
that supports the fingerboard
Fingerboard = the wooden surface
against which the fingers are pressed f-hole = openings
in the body of the cello from which the sound emerges
Bridge
= a shaped piece of thin wood supporting the strings and
through which sound is transmitted to the body
Tailpiece
= anchors the strings
Chin rest = shaped wooden rest
End pin = an extensible spike that makes contact with the floor and supports the weight of the instrument. Usually metal, but sometimes carbon fibre or wood. Tipped with a point, or sometimes black rubber to prevent damage. May be held in place with a ciruclar endpin holder ("sure-stop") or a strap anchored to the chair, to prevent slippage while playing.
Tip = the end point of the bow
Hairs = the stretched horsehair (or other material) which
normally makes contact with the strings
Wood = flexible,
and usually supports the hairs
Frog = the heel of the bow.