Cello, an instrument that belongs to the violin family, is one of the most loved solo instruments across the music industry. It has been charming the listeners for time immemorial. Well, all credit goes to its vibrant, beautiful, and stimulating sounds and super-warm tones that are kind of similar to the voice pitch of humans.
The cello gradually became an integral member of Western music by evolving through a series of artistic and practical modifications. Although known to many as a popular string instrument, its history is still undiscovered by many.
So, let's get down the lanes of history and learn some lesser-known facts about the cello.
The history of cello
Cello is often associated with other famous string musical instruments, such as the lyre and harp. The latter two gears, i.e., the harp and lyre, were a vital part of the ancient civilizations as people, at that time, used to make music using them.
The cello got the spotlight in the year 1550 in northern Italy for the very first time. Because it is an instrument of the violin family, initially, people used to call it a bass violin. It is also famous as viola da braccio in Italy.
Who made the cello for the first time?
Andrea Amati, a luthier from Cremona, Italy, was the first one to be credited for making this stringed instrument, cello. Although he did not invent the cello, he became well-known for crafting cellos for Charles IX, the King of France. Arts and paintings dated back to the 12th and 13th centuries show the violin. It indicates that it was very much there in that era. However, as far as the cello is concerned, it originated during the 15th century.
Why did the cello make a late entry into the world of music?
Well, it is more or less because of the trends in Western European music. At that time, vocal music was given more preference over other forms of music. Thorough practices before performances during the 15th century made the singers understand that they needed a nasal and high-pitched tone. In simple words, they realized the need for a sound that was close to present-day's Eastern music. This need led to the creation of the cello.
Who introduced the standard size of the cello?
When it comes to giving credit for deciding the standard size of a cello, it is given to Antonio Stradivari. After the year 1710, he started making celli. Its size was somewhat between the too small and too large version of the instrument. Soon, the other cello makers across Europe used the standard size by Antonio Stradivari.
In the current times, the cello has made its unique place in various musical genres. Therefore, if you are a cello player, make sure to get sufficient Cello Insurance coverage for your gear. A comprehensive insurance policy ensures that your musical instrument remains protected and your finances stay safe.
Fun facts about the cello!
Let us learn some fun facts about this instrument!
● Cello derived its name from violoncello. The latter is an Italian word, meaning small-large violin.
● The cello is regarded as the second-largest bowed instrument in the entire world. It comes after the double bass.
● The name of the oldest cello is known as the King. It was made by Andrea Amati between the years 1538 and 1560. Now, it is at the National Music Museum in South Dakota.
● Originally, the guts of goats and sheep were used to create the strings of the cello. However, now, the strings are made up of metallic components.
● The cellos are not always about four strings. During the 17th and 18th centuries, these were prevalent with 5-strings in various areas of the Dutch and German region.
● The names of the world-famous cellists include Mike Block and Liz Davis Maxfield.
Now that you know about the history of the cello and how it became a crucial part of world music, it is necessary to understand the importance of buying a dedicated Cello Insurance policy. Your cello is delicate, and accidents can happen at any point in time. Having insurance protection ensures that you and your cello are safe from all possible risks that can damage your musical instruments and affect your livelihood.
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