Classical Music For Dummies, 3rd Edition
Book image
Explore Book Buy On Amazon

Ah, the cello. It’s difficult to even write about this instrument without sighing. Classical music wouldn’t be what it is without the cello. What a beautiful, rich, singing sound this instrument makes. Of all the string instruments, the cello is the one that sounds most like the human voice.

The name cello is short for violoncello, which is Italian for “small double bass.” The cello is the only instrument that absolutely must be played sitting down — as you’ll notice if you ever watch orchestras play the national anthem. You see, the cello is too big to be placed under the player’s chin like a violin or viola, yet too small to play standing, like a double bass.

The cello, the string instrument that sounds most like the human voice. [Credit: <i>Source: Creativ
Credit: Source: Creative Commons
The cello, the string instrument that sounds most like the human voice.

Because of its size, the cello has a range lower than that of the violin and the viola. As a result, it almost never gets to play the tune in a symphony orchestra setting. For centuries, composers relegated it (along with the double bass) to playing low notes, the musical foundation on which violin melodies are built.

In string quartets (made up of two violins, a viola, and a cello) the cello likewise usually plays the lowest notes — largely because it’s the only instrument of the four that even has those notes available.

Thankfully, composers eventually discovered the beauty of the cello’s sound, and it spurred their imaginations. They started writing works in which the cello takes center stage, accompanied by other instruments. The sonatas and concertos written for this instrument are ravishing.

Perhaps because of the daily physical contact with this beautiful vibrating instrument, cellists are some of the happiest people. They tend to be nice, easygoing, and pleasant. And when, in the course of orchestral events, they get a rare melody to play — watch out! They throw themselves into it with utter passion and conviction.

If cello concertos are what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with these:

  • Antonin Dvorˇák: Cello Concerto in B minor

  • Joseph Haydn: Cello Concerto no. 1 in C major

  • Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra

And for cello solos with piano accompaniment, check out the following:

  • Johannes Brahms: Cello Sonata no. 2 in F major

  • Claude Debussy: Sonata for Cello and Piano

And, here are some of the nicest cello lines in the orchestral repertoire:

  • Debussy: La Mer (The Sea) (first movement)

  • Gioachino Rossini: William Tell Overture (beginning)

  • Strauss: Don Quixote (In this piece, the solo cello actually plays the part of the mixed-up man of La Mancha.)

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

About David Pogue David Pogue is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and has performed magic at parties, special events, on TV, and even over the radio for 25 years. He created and taught the beginning magic programs at the New School for Social Research and the Learning Annex. He has been known to mesmerize audiences with his magic tricks while on tour promoting his many bestselling books, including Macs?? For Dummies??, 5th Edition, Opera For Dummies??, and Classical Music For Dummies??. Contributor Mark Levy, magic consultant, has levitated and read spectators' minds for nearly 30 years. His writings have appeared in some of magic's most revered literary sources, including Richard Kaufman's CardMagic, Apocalypse magazine, and Magic.

Scott Speck has conducted hundreds of ballet performances throughout the United States and Europe. He is Music Director of the Joffrey Ballet, Artistic Director of the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, and former Conductor of the San Francisco Ballet. Evelyn Cisneros danced for the San Francisco Ballet for 23 years and is the Artistic Director of the National Dance Institute of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

This article can be found in the category: