The cello is a low pitch bowed string instrument, which serves a similar function as the bass in a choir. Developed from the 15th century "viola da gamba", the instrument originally had 6 strings and was placed upon the knees to play. A leg was later added, and it marked the beginning of the cello.

The cello was first charged with playing the accompaniment in small orchestras. It was only at the end of the 16th century, when an Italian cellist, Domenico Gabrielli (1659-90) first used the cello as a solo instrument. The cello has since developed into an expressive solo instrument.