A cello is a bowed string instrument that is part of the violin family. The cello has 4 strings tuned in fifths. The typical cello is made from wood, with the top made of spruce and the bottom and sides made from maple. Above the body is a carved neck which leads to the pegboard or scroll. The pegs are used for tuning. On the bottom is a tailpin, which raises the cello up to playing position and holds it in place. The bridge is on the main body to hold the strings up from the wood.
Strings were traditionally made of sheep or goat gut. Modern day strings are usually wound with aluminum, titanium or chromium.
Traditionally the bow is made from brazilwood, but it is also made from carbon fiber or fiberglass. The bowhair is made from horsehair or synthetic hair.
The cello is played in a seated position with the neck over the left shoulder.
My favorite cellist is Yo Yo Ma. Check him out...
And now for something completely different, check out Apocalyptica play Metallica! :)
This A-Z is a great education. Strings made from sheep or goat gut.... didn't know that. My grandpa played the fiddle and I can remember going out to the barn with him and getting a few strands of the horses tail for his bow. Amazing. Love the cello....such a haunting sound.
ReplyDeleteNext to the piano which is my favorite and not just because I took lessons for years, the strings- my next favorite.: ) My daughter took violin lessons. My Chihuahua blog has a pic of my 2 Chi's (both are passed on now) setting in her violin case which they did every time she practiced. Gidget would howl the entire time she practiced and Brandy would cry because she thought the dog didn't like her playing- funny story sorry to go on about it. :)
ReplyDeleteOh.....I like them both but the last one is unique I think. Another great post.
ReplyDeleteLove your A to Z instrument theme! I played violin years ago in jr high and high school, but I wish I would have chosen cello. I suppose it's not too late to learn :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the theme you have going here. I enjoy string instruments in general. Loved getting to know Apocalyptica--way cool!
ReplyDeleteGreat A-Z post!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
YES!! The cello is my favorite! Well done! Heather, I am SO enjoying these clever and informative A to Z posts!
ReplyDeleteDawn
Fact: The cello is really just a giant violin. That is why its full name is "violincello."
ReplyDeleteFact: The first cello was built for Goliath. Although best known for getting hit in the head with a rock, he rocked the classical music scene in his day.
Fact: Putting "Fact:" before a statement doesn't actually make it true. Sadly. (But still, the instrument is a violincello.)
Agreed! But then it wouldn't fit into the letter of the day and it is so beautiful that it deserves it's own day :)
DeleteThe cello is beautiful...I enjoy Yo Yo Ma and there's a new 'girl' grou out that one of the musicians is a cellist but can't recall the name right now....nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteLove the cello. Especially love how Michael from The Piano Guys plays it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/user/ThePianoGuys
An alphabet of musical instruments. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the A to Z.
Lucy
I'm a fan of the cello. Several of my favorite bands have cello players in them! :)
ReplyDeleteStopping by from A to Z. Love the theme!
ReplyDeleteErin
Yep Yo Yo Ma is awesome. There's also two brothers who play contemporary songs to the cellos and they're awesome. It's a beautiful instrument!
ReplyDeletestopping by from A to Z - - I'll have to stop by again -- I enjoy music, play a tenor saxophone and keyboard, though still closer to beginner than master! Your writing is enjoyable reading
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun topic for the A to Z Challenge! I was in band years ago and those memories are some of my best in high school (I met my husband in band!).
ReplyDeleteI always wondered if the Ricola horn was a real thing or just made up by the company. A fun read!
Though I have tried out the Voilin, never got to handle a Cello.
ReplyDeleteMust try it out once.
There's no denying it, cellos are cool. I've never played an instrument but if I did, the cello may be the one I'd choose.
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of cello. I'm trying to visit all the A-Z Challenge blogs in April.
ReplyDeleteAfter learning the violin with is children, our son is now trying to learn the cello. Makes great music!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love music and the cello makes beautiful rich sounds. Ruby
ReplyDeleteMetallica on the cello, so cool-
ReplyDeleteI wish they'd played something from an earlier Metallica album:)