violoncello
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violoncello
A large string instrument from the violin family that is played while sitting and held between the knees. It is known for its warm, deep sound and is often referred to colloquially as a cello.
Sie spielt seit fünf Jahren Violoncello im Orchester.
She has been playing the violoncello in the orchestra for five years.
'Violoncello' is the full, formal name of the instrument. It is used mainly in written, technical, or very official contexts such as concert programs or academic texts.
Im Konzertprogramm stand: Sonate für Klavier und Violoncello.
The concert program said: Sonata for piano and violoncello.
The word comes from Italian. The part 'Violon-' comes from 'Violone' (a large viola), and '-cello' is a diminutive form. So it literally means 'little violone'.
Die Geschichte des Violoncellos ist eng mit der italienischen Musiktradition des Barock verbunden.
The history of the violoncello is closely connected with the Italian musical tradition of the Baroque period.
The most common verb used with the instrument is 'spielen' (to play). You say 'Violoncello spielen' (to play the violoncello).
Schon als Kind wollte sie lernen, Violoncello zu spielen.
Even as a child, she wanted to learn to play the violoncello.
