The larger cousin of the violin and viola, but smaller than the double bass, the cello is a popular bowed stringed instrument, capable of great range and expression <\/p>
The cello, or violoncello, is a bowed stringed instrument<\/a><\/strong> and the larger, lower pitched cousin of the violin<\/a><\/strong> and viola<\/a><\/strong>. Its larger cousin is the double bass<\/a><\/strong>. Like the violin and viola, the cello generally has four strings, made of steel, nylon or gut, which can be played with a bow or plucked with the fingers. These are tuned in perfect fifths: from low to high, C, G, D and A.<\/p>\n Together with violins<\/a><\/strong>, violas<\/a><\/strong> and basses<\/a><\/strong>, cellos form the string section of a modern symphony orchestra<\/a><\/strong>, and often play the bass part, where they are reinforced by the double basses an octave below. But the cello is also a common solo instrument, using its full tonal range to great effect in both unaccompanied and accompanied music, and in a great array of chamber music<\/a><\/strong>. Many leading composers have been inspired by the cello\u2019s deeply expressive capabilities to write concertos<\/a><\/strong> for the instrument.<\/p>\n Though primarily a classical instrument, the cello is also used in popular music, and has featured in songs by the Beatles, Cher, Aerosmith, Oasis and the Smashing Pumpkins, among many others.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n