What is a cello and what is a viola?

1 ANSWERS

1. Brett
   

   A cello aka violoncello is the bass voice of the string instrument family. It has 4 strings A-D-G-C and it's an octave and a fifth lower than the violin. The cello plays in bass clef and it's the second largest instrument in the string family (the largest is the contra bass/double bass). You use a bow to play or you can pluck with your finger; this is known as pizzicato. The cello is the abbreviated version of the Italian word, violoncello, which means little violone. The violone is the bass. Notable cellists include: Yo-Yo Ma, Msistlav Rostropovich, Pablo Casals and Mischa Maisky. If you're interested in listening to some great recordings, listen to the Haydn Cello Concerto No.3 and Six Suites for Unaccompanied Suites, by Bach
   
   The viola is the alto voice of the string family. It is larger than a violin. A 3/4 size viola is approximately the size of a 4/4 violin. The viola has four strings A-D-G and C and is a fifth lower than the violin. The viola can be played with a bow or by pizzicato.The viola's tone ranges between the violin and the cello but the low and rich sound sets it apart from the high pitched graceful sound of a violin. The viola is played identically to the violin.

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