Cello da spalla

The violoncello da spalla is held on the shoulder and chest, and is larger than the viola.

[2] There are also numerous instances of suites, serenades, divertimenti, and cassations that begin and/or end with marches.

Because of the variety in terminology used in the eighteenth century, it can be difficult now to determine exactly what instrument was intended in specific instances.

This term, "violoncello piccolo", features in many of the Bach cantatas, with the parts written in a variety of clefs (bass, tenor, alto and soprano).

[3] The five-string version of the instrument may have been what Bach had in mind for performing his Cello Suite No.