For hundreds of years, the cello has been delighting listeners with its warm, living tones and rich sounds that resemble the range of human voice pitch. This much cherished solo and orchestral instrument became a staple of Western music through a series of cultural changes and practical needs. And although today it is an easily recognized instrument, the history of this beloved instrument is a mystery to many people. The evolution of the cello is a remarkable tale.

It wasn’t until the first half of the sixteenth century (between 1520 and 1550) that renowned violin makers began to create what would later become the modern cello. It was Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) who developed the cello size that we know today. After 1710, he began making cellos that measured between the original two sizes, and luthiers around Europe followed his example (many of his original cellos are still being played today)
The first major work written for the instrument was Bach’s Six Suites and in recent years, it has begun to pervade a number of musical genres, and has even garnered its own specific style, Cello rock.
With its rich history and purely wonderful sounds, the cello is a fascinating instrument. Its versatility and beauty ensures that artists will continue to explore new ways to perform on this instrument, delighting music lovers for centuries to come.

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