violoncello
Deep string instrument
Violoncello is the formal name for the cello—the large, deep-voiced stringed instrument played upright between the knees.
The full Italian term appears in classical music contexts, orchestra programs, and formal compositions, while everyday speech almost always shortens it to cello: She studied violoncello at the conservatory.
Internal violin support rod
- tailpieceConcluding addition to text
- bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
- scrollWound document of parchment
- pegboxTuning mechanism enclosure
purfling · f-holes · fingerboard · neck · ribs · bout · soundboard · strings
Largest bowed string instrument
- StradivariusPrized antique string instrument
- violBowed Renaissance instrument
- gambaFretted bowed string instrument
Respectful forward inclination
- pizzicatoString-plucking technique
- arcoPlay with bow
- vibratoOscillating pitch effect
- glissandoRapid pitch sweep
legato · staccato · harmonics · fingering · shifting · spiccato · tremolo · sul tasto
Deeply vibrating with sound
- sonorousDeep and full-toned
- richHaving much of something
- warmModerately heated, or friendly
- deepFar from surface
mellow · singing · lyrical · plaintive · expressive · full-bodied · dark · bright
Large instrumental ensemble
- string quartetFour-piece chamber group
- chamber musicSmall-group classical compositions
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- sectionDistinct divided part
trio · quintet · continuo · accompaniment · duet · philharmonic · pit orchestra · consort
Preeminent contemporary cellist
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- soloistUnaccompanied performer
- principalChief school administrator
- accompanistOne who plays alongside
soundpost
Internal violin support rod
- tailpieceConcluding addition to text
- bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
- scrollWound document of parchment
pegbox · purfling · f-holes · fingerboard · neck · ribs · bout · soundboard · strings · tuning pegs
double bass
Largest bowed string instrument
- StradivariusPrized antique string instrument
- violBowed Renaissance instrument
- gambaFretted bowed string instrument
bow
Respectful forward inclination
glissando · legato · staccato · harmonics · fingering · shifting · spiccato · tremolo · sul tasto · portamento
resonant
Deeply vibrating with sound
deep · mellow · singing · lyrical · plaintive · expressive · full-bodied · dark · bright · woody
orchestra
Large instrumental ensemble
- string quartetFour-piece chamber group
- chamber musicSmall-group classical compositions
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
section · trio · quintet · continuo · accompaniment · duet · philharmonic · pit orchestra · consort
Yo-Yo Ma
Preeminent contemporary cellist
- stringsguitar, double bass, string section, harp, string quartet
- Bowed Stringsdouble bass, fiddle, contrabass, viol, erhu
- chamber musicstring quartet, string quartets, chamber music, piano trios, piano quintet
violoncelloviolin
Bowed string instrument
pochette · double bass · contrabass · soprano · bass
violoncellopercussion
Sound through impact
drum · trumpet · flute · piano · synthesizer
violin, cello, viola, stringer, cellos, stringed, cellist, stringers, cellists