Cello

:Alternate meaning: Cello (web browser)

Current use

Orchestral

Cellos are part of the standard orchestra. Usually, the orchestra includes eight to twelve cellists. The cello section, in standard orchestral seating, is located on stage left (the audience's right) in the front, opposite to the first violin section. However, some orchestras prefer secondary orchestral seating, where the cello section is placed in the middle front, between the first violins and second violins. The principal, or "first chair" cellist is the best cellist in the orchestra. In standard orchestra seating, he/she sits nearest to the conductor and the audience. In secondary orchestra seating, he/she sits nearest the conductor and stage left in comparison to the cellist next to him/her (the cellist sitting "second chair").

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The cellos are a critical part of orchestral music; all symphonic works involve the cello section, and many pieces require cello soli or solos. Much of the time, cellos provide part of the harmony for the orchestra. On many occasions, the cello section will pick up the melody of the piece for a brief period of time, before returning to the harmony. There are also cello concertos, which are orchestral pieces in which a featured, solo cellist is accompanied by an entire orchestra.

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Solo

There are multiple cello concertos and solo sonata cello pieces. In this genre, the cello is usually accompanied by either a pianist or an orchestra, though there are several unaccompanied pieces for cello, most notably J.S. Bach's Unaccompanied Suites for Cello.

Related Topics:
Cello concertos - Sonata - Pianist - Orchestra - Unaccompanied - J.S. Bach's - Unaccompanied Suites for Cello

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Quartet/Ensembles

The cello is a defined member of the traditional string quartet. In addition, cellos are also usually part of string quintets ortrios. There have been several pieces written for a cello ensemble of twenty to thirty cellists.

Related Topics:
String quartet - String quintets - Trios

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Pop Music

Though the cello is less common in popular music, it is sometimes featured in pop and rock recordings. Despite this, the cello is rarely part of a group's standard lineup. An exception are Apocalyptica, a group of cellists best known for their versions of heavy metal songs. It is a style that has become known as cello rock. Another great example is Rasputina, a group of three female cellists committed to an intricate cello style intermingled with Gothic music.

Related Topics:
Apocalyptica - Cello rock - Rasputina

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