Here is a brief comparison of the two instruments:
Violin:
* Size range: 4/4, 3/4, 1/4, 1/2, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16
* Range: (roughly four octaves) from about G3 (293.7 Hz) to E7 (2637 Hz), though higher positions, harmonics and tuning variations add to the full range.
* Difficulty level: The violin is generally considered to be one of the most difficult instruments to learn, due to the demanding technique and the need for precise intonation and bow control.
* Tone quality: The violin has a bright and penetrating sound with a wide range of tone colors, from delicate and airy to powerful and passionate.
* Playing position: The violin is held between the chin and the shoulder with the left hand fingers stopping the strings on the fingerboard and the right hand bow moving across the strings.
* Common repertoire: The violin has an extensive repertoire of solo pieces, chamber music and orchestral works. Some of the most popular violin pieces include Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Mozart's Violin Concertos, and Beethoven's Violin Sonata in A Major, Op. 47.
Cello:
* Size range: 4/4, 7/8, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8.
* Range: (roughly four octaves) from C2 (65.41 Hz) to A6 (1760 Hz).
* Difficulty level: The cello is generally considered to be less difficult to learn than the violin due to its larger size and lower pitch. However, it still requires a great deal of technical skill and practice to master.
* Tone quality: The cello has a warm, rich and mellow sound with a strong focus on the lower register.
* Playing position: The cello is held between the legs with the left hand fingers stopping the strings on the fingerboard and the right hand bow moving across the strings.
* Common repertoire: The cello has a significant body of solo pieces, chamber music and orchestral works. Some of the most popular cello pieces include Bach's Cello Suites, Beethoven's Cello Sonatas, Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B minor, and Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor.