Cello - We Have an Ensemble — Devin Shea Music

There is no better instrument suited for an ensemble of like voices as the cello. The trend of cello duos, trios, quartets, octets or any combination thereof just works. The cello got off to a slower start than the violin due to its size and configuration which took longer to finalize. It originated in Northern Italy in the 16th century and evolved from the viola da braccio, played on the shoulder. To achieve lower registers, instrument makers expanded the viola da braccio's size, resulting in bass instruments. This innovation gave the cello its soulful, sonorous voice, a contributing factor to its slow and steady rise from accompaniment to lead instrument.

By the 17th century, a standard bass violin called the "violone" existed but was eventually replaced by the cello, especially after the mid-17th century development of wire-wound strings, which allowed for smaller instruments with louder sounds. The cello design favored by Antonio Stradivari became dominant, and violones were resized to match it. By the mid-18th century, the cello had a standardized design - over 200 years later than the violin. In the 19th century, enhancements in string tension, bridge design, and neck angle improved its response and tone. The 1920s saw the advent of steel strings, enhancing sound quality and volume, expanding the cello's repertoire.

The cello is the little engine that could of classical instruments by steadily improving over time, thus accruing more works in the canon and demand for the voice in broader settings. It is extremely versatile, as a solo, chamber and symphonic instrument, even rock, pop, jazz, folk and beyond. One concept, unparalleled by any other instrument is the cello ensemble in just about any configuration. No other instrument can quite match or achieve this result as a united front. Here are 8 highly satisfying performances you are sure to enjoy.