Violin
It’s a Violin!
Learn violin history, how it's made, how it's played, and a fun fact.
The Violin, sometimes called a fiddle, is the smallest member of the string family. The orchestra has more violins than any other single instrument. The violin section is divided into first and second violins, with the first violins playing the highest notes, and the second violins playing the next highest notes. The violin is also one of the most popular solo instruments. A distinctive feature of the violin is its hourglass shape.
History
The first violin makers may possibly have borrowed ideas from three types of bowed instruments:
1) The Rebec
2) The Renaissance Fiddle
3) Lira da braccio
The violin began as a three stringed instrument. In 1555, a fourth string was added by Italian violin maker Andrea Amati, though it was his student, Italian string maker Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737) who brought the art of violin making to its height. Stradivari's instruments are regarded as the finest stringed instruments ever built.
How It's Played
The violin rests on the left shoulder and is kept in place by the player's chin. The left hand is responsible for fingering the notes, while the right hand plucks or bows the strings. Beginning violin players often like to tape the fingerboard, to help remind them of left-hand finger placement.
*Credit to Making Music Fun website
