The name cello is derived from the ending of the Italian violoncello, which means "little violone". Violone ("big viola") was a large-sized member of viol (viola da gamba) family or the violin(viola da braccio) family. The term "violone" today

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Tuning
Cellos are tuned in fifths, starting with C2 (two octaves below middle C), followed by G2, D3, and then A3. It is tuned in the exact same intervals and strings as the viola, but an octave lower. Similar to the double bass, the cello has an

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The violin family, including cello-sized instruments, emerged c. 1500 as a family of instruments distinct from the viola da gambafamily. The earliest depictions of the violin family, from

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Orchestral
Cellos are part of the standard symphony orchestra, which usually includes eight to twelve cellists. The cello section, in standard orchestral

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The cello is typically made from carved wood, although other materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum may be used. A traditional cello has a

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Physical aspects
When a string is bowed or plucked, it vibrates and moves the air around it, producing sound waves. Because the string is quite thin, not

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Playing the cello is done while seated with the instrument supported on the floor by the endpin. The right hand bows (or sometimes plucks) the

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