cellist
A musician who plays the cello.
In Depth
A cellist holds the instrument upright between the knees, supported by an adjustable endpin that rests on the floor. The left hand presses the strings against the fingerboard to change pitch, while the right hand draws the bow across the strings or plucks them pizzicato. The sitting position allows cellists to use arm weight effectively for a rich, powerful tone.
Great cellists become inseparable from their instrument's voice. Pablo Casals, Jacqueline du Pré, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Yo-Yo Ma each brought a distinctive personality to the cello. The instrument's range and expressive capability — from deep bass to soaring tenor — make it one of the most versatile and emotionally compelling voices in music.
Jacqueline du Pré's recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto, made when she was 20, is considered one of the most passionate performances in recording history. Her career was tragically cut short by multiple sclerosis at age 28.