Did you know that the cello was first called the “bass violin”? This instrument did not come about until the 15th Century. The cello was used for bass singers because people could eventually reach low C. Over time, the name of the cello was changed to violoncello, to violone, and then finally they stuck with cello; meaning “small” in Italian. Over a hundred years, the last work to be mentioned as a rare solo for the cello was “Trattenimeto Musicale Sopra II Violoncello” by Demenico Galli.
Most cello bodies are made of wood and maple. However, some cellos are made of poplar or pine. The top and back are laminated. The sides are made by steaming the wood and bending it. The upper neck and pegbox are also made of wood. The pegs, fingerboard, and tail piece are made of ebony. The end pin is made of metal and is used to hold the cello up.
Sources:
www.andrewdunncello.com
www.thecellosite.com
