Cello ancestors
The family from which the cello has grown is the violet family; Violin was the common name for most curved string instruments.
The name of the cello.
The word violoncello means ‘small big violin’. By 1900, the first half of the name had been lost, giving cello as the standard name.
First Cellos
The first cellos similar to those we have today were made by the well-known Lutheran Andrea Amati, possibly as early as 1538.
Cello development
A cellist in the Baroque period (1600-1750) had to keep the cello completely off his calves. Today, the cell body is about 2 inches smaller than the original Amati cellos. The clavicle is also a fairly new addition.
Cello popularity
JS Bach’s six draw cello suites are some of the most popular musicians in the world. The cello – or to use its full name, violoncello – is without a doubt one of the most popular orchestral instruments. The large size and the deep, woody tone have enchanted composers, artists and listeners. And like most good things, the cellotype has evolved over time to become what it is now.
Source:danspela.com