The description of this work follows New Grove and other sources, saying its for 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos. Based on the first edition's title page and the labeling of the parts, they're all wrong.
The piece itself says it's for either: 2 violins, viola, cello and double bass OR: 2 violins, 2 viola and double bass. (The alternate viola part is labeled "alto violoncello" - but it's clearly in the viola clef throughout.)
Unlike Onslow's later quintets (which do have 2 cellos), there is no indication that this piece was intended for 2 cellos. The same is true for both Op. 17 and Op. 18, which have the same instrumentation.
Onslow string quintet, op. 19 (and ops. 17-18) - incorrect instrumentation
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Re: Onslow string quintet, op. 19 (and ops. 17-18) - incorrect instrumentation
I think we've got the tags fixed now. Thanks for the correction. However, the ca.1840 Troupenas parts clearly are marked "cello". This could represent a revision on the composer's part as he seemed to base most of his activity in France, despite his great popularity in England and Germany, or it could be a case of a publisher "covering all the basses".