The Cello is a member of the string family of instruments. It's the second largest bowed string instrument, the double bass being the largest. The Cello has been described as the closest sounding instrument to the human voice. Like the other members of the string family, it is played by drawing a bow over the strings. The Cello is a standard part of orchestra and string quartets, and has recently been popularized by world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Today, it is featured in Pop and Rock recordings, and has recently appeared in major hip-hop and R & B performances.