In German-speaking countries the terms Bassett or Bassel were used here and there. In spite of this paradox the Italian name was adopted throughout Europe from 1700 onward. Violoncello literally means nothing more than “small large viola”. What both terms share is a linguistic paradox: a diminutive form (cello, cino) is added to an augmentative (violone = large viola). The violoncello was originally also known as the violoncino. 4 by the Italian composer Giulio Cesare Arresti from 1665, so at a time that the violoncello was, in fact, already in existence. The modern term violoncello appeared for the first time in the twelve trio sonatas op. Only from the middle of the century was it applied solely to the bass instruments of the violin family. At the beginning of the 17th century the term described the bass instruments of both the gamba family and the violin family. In 17th century Italy the term violone was widely adopted as the collective name for all large bowed instruments (it was formed from the root word viola and the suffix one, meaning “large viola”). The family included bass instruments from the very beginning these came in various sizes and tunings and carried various names: basso di viola da braccio or basso da braccio (in Italy in 1600), basse de violon (in France), bass violin (in England) and groß Geigen and klein Geigen or polische Geigen in German-speaking countries in the 16th century. The instruments belonging to the violin family developed from the viola da braccio between 15 in Upper Italy. Three-quarter cellos (body length 68 cm) or half-size cellos (body length approx.

the top plate of the body, which can vary considerably. The proportion proper (the scaling) of a stringed instrument is the length of its belly, i.e. On the violin the neck is 13 cm long, the belly 19.5 cm (string length = 32.5 cm). The ratio (proportion) is therefore 7:10. On the cello the distance from the top nut to the top edge of the belly is 28 cm, from the edge of the belly to the bridge 40-42 cm (string length = between 68-70 cm). The sum of these two distances equals the length of the vibrating string. The proportions are expressed in terms of the ratio of these two distances to one another. The proportions on a stringed instrument refer to its length, namely the ration between the distances from the top nut to the top edge of the belly (distance 1) and from the edge of the belly to the bridge (distance 2). The thumb position made it possible to reach the high positions, especially on the top string.

Fingering: this changed in around 1740 when the thumb was “discovered” as a playing finger.

This method of playing meant that only very simple bass figures could be played. In the past the cellist would hold the instrument between his legs and pressed against his body, or rest it on a chair and play standing up. Nowadays the cellist places the instrument between his legs, where it rests on the floor on a tail-pin (spike).

Playing position: because of its size the cello is played in the upright position (like the viola da gamba).

Nevertheless if differs from the violin and viola in two points: the playing position and fingering. In terms of its history, construction and sound the cello belongs to the violin family. Horsehair is stretched between the two ends of the bow, with rosin ensuring that the bow remains in contact with the string. The bow is about 2 cm shorter and a quarter as heavy again as the violin bow. It is constructed using the same components as the violin, the only difference being the larger size. In the 20th century cellists began to specialize more, concentrating more on solo, chamber or orchestral playing. In the 19th century the cello advanced along with the violin to become the most important bowed instrument for solo works. The cello (violoncello) is the tenor and bass instrument of the violin family (violin, viola, cello).

Mute: Comb-shaped device made of metal or maple which damps the vibration of the bridge.

Bow stick made of Pernambuco wood point, adjustable frog. Material: gut, silver, copper, aluminum, steel, nylon. Strings: Length of the vibrating strings: 68-70 cm, 4 strings, tuned to intervals of a fifth.75.5 cm, box form Belly with F-shaped sound holes, back, ribs. Neck: Length: 28 cm, fretless fingerboard made of ebony.Head: Scroll and pegbox maple 4 side-mounted pegs (ebony).Tenor and bass instrument of the violin family (violin, viola, cello) Classification: Chordophone, necked lute, stringed instrument.

Usc cello repertoire