The cello is a bowed string instrument that has been around since the 16th century. It was first created by the Bolognese after wire-wound strings were developed. Prior to this development, gut strings made out of the guts of animals were used. The wire-wound strings consisted of gut strings wrappd with a thin layer f wire. These strings allowed for a better bass sound resulting in the cello.
Among the four string instruments used in standard orchestras, it is the second largest instrument, as well as the second lowest in terms of pitch. The cello section generally plays the harmony while occasionally playing the melody. That being said, there are a number of cello concertos and solos, most notable would be the concertos by Vivaldi and the Bach Suites. For the unfortunate souls playing in an orchestra with a lower level of playing skill, the celli usually help the bass section keep the rest of the orchestra at the right tempo. Despite this attempt, the violas tend to be clueless as to what is going on and the violins too egotistical to listen to anything besides themselves, generally leading to massive fail at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.



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