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Want to know more about violins ?
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| Violin history Want to learn more about violins history? How old is the violin? Well, let's say there is a lot of debate. Some historians believe the violin originated in central Asia perhaps in Mongolia. Early violins came in many shapes and sizes. What some of these ancient instruments had in common though was the idea of a sound box with strings which were played with a bow. Violins, as we know them today began emerging in the 16th century. And they reached an almost perfect state quite quickly. Violin making at that time became centred around Cremona, Brescia andVenice in Italy. Families set up workshops in these areas and built their skills across the generations, learning and refining theirmaking techniques. Everyone has probably heard of Stadavari. But it was the innovator, Andrea Amati who, in the mid 16 century, first developed the violin which was to become the instrument we know today. He simplfied the great variety of decorative designs of the early sixteenth century. Some fine violins from the 16th century still survive. The legends of Guarnerius and Stradivari followed. Guarnerius studiedwith Amati and carried on his work while Stradavari, in the1700s, developed flatter arching of the violin, increasing its power. |
Its amazing that these instruments were so fantastic and they are priceless today. Luthiers still try to emulate them and to find out more about violins made by these great masters.
As time went by, violin makers travelled far and wide taking their craft with them. Violin making in the Cremona masters' style, became established in other countries.
With this gradual spread of people and industrialisation came workshops which produced cheaper trade violins in bigger numbers. A lot of instruments were made in Germany, France, Britain, and Austria around the late 1800s and early 1900s. Lots of these instruments are still around and are being played happily today.
Although we often associate the violin with classical music, it is truly an instrument of the people too - a folk instrument. Early instruments were played all over Europe, Russia and Asia. Such is its versaility that it would be played at all manner of occasions. It still is!
If you want to know more about its fascinating history we will be putting up more pages soon. Here is some recommended reading in the meantime.
Violins today
Today's instruments have pretty much standardised to the form we all recoganise. They come in the following main sizes:
1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, 15/16 and 4/4 (which means full size). There are actually even some 1/32 violins (which are tiny).
Full size violins can vary a little but the back length is usually around 354 mm.
However there are different types available in all manner of colours. For example, there are five string violins and electric violins as well as the four string violins. Hardanger fiddles have 8 or 9 strings. You can even get mute violins for practising without deafening your neighbours.
Contemporary makers are pushing the boundaries and are trying out some innovative designs including wedge shaped sound boxes and curvy shapes.
As well as the violin, which is thought of as the soprano voice of the orchestra, the other members of the violin family include the viola, cello and double bass.
Parts of the violin?
Do you want to know more about violin parts?
More about violins?
If this page has whetted your appetite, deepen your knowledge by visiting again soon. We will be adding lots more pages. These are for people who are really passionate about violins!
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