Instruments

VIOLIN

Violin Info- Things You Need To Know

The violin also called a fiddle produces the highest pitch amongst all the musical instruments that are used regularly.  This instrument has a wooden body that is hollow and it is played by drawing the bow across the strings.  The sound occurs when the vibrations that are produced when moving the bow across the strings resonates within the hollow wooden body.  The violin typically has 4 strings that are tuned in perfect fifths for notes G3, D4, A4, and E7.  The strings are made of gut, steel, Perlon, or other synthetic materials.  The body of the violin is made of different types of wood such as spruce, maple, and ebony.  The violin maker or luthier makes and repairs violins whereas the archetier or bowmaker takes care of the bows.

Popularity Of Violins Across Cultures

The use of the violin is very important for certain genres of music especially Western classicals, in orchestras and chamber music.  It is played as a solo instrument in folk music, jazz, country music, and the like.  Rock and jazz musicians also use electric violins to make the sound louder and more powerful.  Violins are also popular in Indian and Iranian music.  The violin originated in Italy and the earliest versions of violins, as seen in pictures, has 3 strings only.  The violin evolved from the fiddle, the lira da braccio, and the rebec.  There have been constant changes in its construction in an attempt to improve the tone from the earlier delicate and intimate tone to the present stronger and more brilliant version.

Violins –An Integral Part Of Orchestras

A large number of violinists can frequently be observed up in front in any symphony orchestra.  In fact, an orchestra may have as many as 10 first violins and an equal number of second violins too along with violas, cellos, and double basses.  This is because violins are perfect for playing melody and they also produce the highest pitch.  However, their sound is rather low and you require more of them to balance out the sound produced by the other instruments in the orchestra.  Violinists use their nimble finger work to produce long melodic passages.  The first violins are used to produce the melody and counter-melody and the second violins play the lower harmony.

Mastering The Challenge Of Learning To Play The Violin

Learning to play and master the violin can be a challenge but quite fulfilling once you have done it.  It is an extremely popular instrument made even more popular by famous violinists closer to home such as Balabhaskar.  Learning to play the violin can be greatly beneficial especially to young children.  It can improve their attention span and memory.  It also helps them with their reading skills, speech, language processing, and it helps with enhanced brain function.  The social benefits of learning music need not be reiterated.  It helps them make more friends as music is an ice breaker and a conversational point.  It also helps children to build up their self-esteem and self-awareness which contributes to the formation of well balanced and well-adjusted personalities.

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