Who invented the cello and what year?

The cello is a member of the violin family, and its origins can be traced back to the late 15th century. The first cellos were developed in Northern Italy, and they were initially known as "bassi da braccio" or "violoncello da spalla." These early cellos were smaller than the modern instrument and were played by holding them between the legs or resting them on the chest.

The cello as we know it today was developed in the 17th and 18th centuries by Italian luthiers such as Andrea Amati, Guarneri del Gesù, and Antonio Stradivari. These luthiers refined the design of the cello, making it larger and more resonant, and they also developed the technique of playing the cello with a bow. By the 18th century, the cello had become a staple of the orchestra and was also widely used as a solo instrument.