Explore the Violin
Q: Where does the name “violin” come from?
A: The name “violin” comes from the word “Vitula,” the name of the Roman goddess of joy.
Q: What were stringed instruments like before the violin became popular?
A: Before the violin, most stringed instruments were plucked, similar to the lyre.
Q: How was the idea of playing with a bow introduced?
A: When trade between Asia and Europe developed, the concept of horse-hair bows playing the strings was introduced, most likely from Central Asian cultures, such as Mongolia, where they play instruments like the Morin Khuur (also known as the “horse head fiddle”).
Q: What did the earliest bows look like?
A: The first bows initially resembled a hunting bow and was only modified in the 19th century to resemble its current form.
Q: When and where did the modern violin take shape?
A: The violin shape we know of today emerged in northern Italy, early in the 16th century.
Q: Who were some of the most famous early violin makers?
A: The most renowned luthiers of this period were Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri, whose violins are still celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and sound.
Q: How did the violin become popular across Europe?
A: French King Charles IX helped increase the popularity of the violin throughout Europe when he commissioned 24 violins for his orchestra, Les 24 Violons du Roi.
Q: In which musical periods did the violin become a central instrument?
A: The violin was featured prominently in Baroque, Classical, and Romantic era compositions and became a staple of Western orchestral music.
Q: How did the violin spread around the world?
A: Over time, the violin traveled beyond Europe, becoming integral to many world traditions, including folk music and classical Indian music.
Q: What makes the violin such a versatile instrument today?
A: The violin’s wide range, expressiveness, and adaptability have allowed it to thrive in every genre of music – from metal and pop to folk, jazz, and classical styles.
Q: Why is the violin still one of the most beloved instruments?
A: Its rich history, emotional sound, and unmatched versatility have made the violin a timeless favorite across cultures and musical genres worldwide.
Q: What is the typical size of a violin?
A:A full-size violin has a body of 14 inches wide and about 23 inches tall. The violin is the smallest of the string family. There are many smaller sizes available for younger students, ranging from a 1/32 size, which measures only 7.5 inches wide and 13 inches tall.
Q: Do you call it a “fiddle” or a “violin”?
A:Both! Usually, it depends on the style you’re playing. For genres like traditional Irish, Scottish, or American folk, it can be called a fiddle. For classical music, people usually say violin. Either way, a fiddle and a violin are the same!
Q: What are some famous violin pieces to listen to?
A: Classical:
- Chaconne for Solo Violin by Bach
- Violin Concerto in E minor by Mendelssohn
- Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47
- The Lark Ascending by Vaughn Williams
Modern/Fiddle:
- Point of Know Return by Kansas
- Devil Went Down to Georgia – The Charlie Daniels Band
- Swallowtail Jig (Irish)
- Drowsy Maggie (Irish)
- Boil ‘Em Cabbage Down (American)
Q: Who are some famous violinists I should listen to?
A: There are many more than this short list, but here are a few suggestions:
- Hilary Hahn
- Niccolò Paganini
- Itzhak Perlman
- Allison Kraus
- Joshua Bell
- Mark O’Connor
- Papa John Creach
Q: What are some interesting facts about the violin?
A: Here are some fun facts about the violin:
- Most people consider playing the violin an intellectual pursuit. However, a violinist can burn around 170 calories per hour. That’s equivalent to about one soda!
- The main body of the modern violin contains 70 different parts. In high-quality instruments, these parts are all made from a variety of woods.
- The violin was the leader of the orchestra before conductors became a main fixture. Prominent composers would often conduct their orchestral arrangements from the first violin chair or the concertmaster position.
- In Indian cultures, violin players sit cross-legged while playing, and rest the scroll on their feet with the bottom of the violin under their chin!
- Violinist Niccolò Paganini, a prominent performer in the early 1800s, was one of the first musicians to pioneer the “rock star” image. He changed the game in terms of what it meant to be proficient, and was so popular that people would burst into tears in softer moments of his music.
Interested in learning the violin? Visit our Music Teacher page to find more about our instructors and how they can help you achieve your musical goals.
About the Author
Our Explore Musical Instruments series of articles were written for and contributed to Note-worthy Experiences® Music Studio by current and past music instructors. We appreciate their generosity in sharing their experiences and expertise!
