Of all the string instruments, the cello sounds most like a human voice, and it can make a wide variety of tones, from warm low pitches to bright higher notes. There are usually 8 to 12 cellos in an orchestra and they play both harmony and melody. read more
I stage manage a well known (worldwide top 10) orchestra and we use 10 cellos as part of our standard string strength of 16.14.12.10.8. (first violins, second violins, violas, cellos and basses) That is to say that unless otherwise specified, my orchestra will stage those numbers of the respective instruments. read more