The Probert Encyclopaedia of Music

VIOLONCELLO

The violoncello (or cello) is a stringed musical instrument about twice the size of a violin, and with sides deeper in proportion. It has four strings, tuned in fifths, its notes numbering from the highest string, being formerly tuned G, D, A, E and more recently tuned A, D, G, C with the top string being tuned to A.
Research Violoncello