THE ORCHESTRA: A USER'S MANUAL

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Introduction Orchestration Orchestration Resources Historical Andrew Hugill
  Philharmonia

CELLO


Section: Strings
Transposing? No

Construction
Range
Bowing
Plucking
Left Hand
Mute/Harmonics
Chords
Extended
Player's Tips and Tricks

Links

 

Construction

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
End pin = attaches tailpiece to body of instrument

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