October: Cello
Fun Facts:
The name of the cello is a technically shortened version of violoncello, which means small large violin.
In 17th and 18th century Germany, five-string cellos were more common.
Up until the 18th century players had to hold their cellos upright using only their legs. The pointed endpin was introduced by A.F. Servais. By the end of the 1840s, it was common practice to use an endpin.
The neck of a cello slants backwards so that the downward force a cellist exerts on the bridge is increased, thereby producing the louder sound needed to compete within an orchestra during a concerto.
The oldest cello that exists to date is known as ‘The King’. Andrea Amati built it between 1538 and 1560.