The cello, otherwise known as a violoncello, is a bowed instrument with four strings. It's a close cousin of the violin, viola, and double bass. The cello can be played as a solo instrument, as well ...

The cello looks like a violin - but bigger. You couldn't hold this under your chin! Instead, it rests on a spike which sticks into the floor and is held between the players legs and played with a bow.

Since the 18th century it has been the middle or alto voice of the violin family, between the violin (which is tuned a perfect fifth above it) and the cello (which is tuned an octave below it).