A contraction for Violoncello.

a large stringed instrument; seated player holds it upright while playing

a large string instrument

a satisfying instrument because it is low enough to have a rich sound, but high enough so you can play melodies or other interesting pieces

An instrument of the violin family, with four strings, tuned an octave lower than the viola, but higher than the double bass.

In the violin family, the tenor instrument, played while held between the knees.

See violoncello Example: Saint-Saëns, Carnival of the Animals, "The Swan" Real Audio: 28k | 56k | About this album The cello is noted for its dark resonance and singing quality, as heard in this example.

See violoncello. The cello is noted for its dark resonance and singing quality, as heard in this example. Example: Saint-Saëns, Carnival of the Animals, "The Swan" Real Audio: 28K | 56K | About this album

The violoncello, almost always abbreviated to cello, or 'cello (the c is pronounced as the ch in "cheese"), is a bowed stringed instrument, the lowest-sounding member of the violin family. A person who plays a cello is called a cellist. The cello is popular in many capacities: as a solo instrument, in chamber music, and also as a foundation of the modern orchestral sound.