Facts About Violins
The violin is the smallest member of the violin family which includes other members such as the viola, cello and bass. Though once a lowly regarded instrument, the violin has since grown to be very recognizable and popular.
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History
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The modern violin developed from the rebec, a three-string bowed instrument descended from the rebab, a Middle Eastern single-string instrument. The violin developed to assume its present form in Italy starting in the mid 1500s. It was at this time that luthier Andrea Amati of Cremona, started to create what are generally considered to be the first modern violins.
Growing Importance
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Originally considered an instrument of low social standing, the violin was not a concert instrument initially. It was often used to create a double voice part while accompanying a singer or provided instrumental accompaniment for dancing. With its use in Orfeo, an opera by Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi, and a 24 violin musical ensemble for King Louis XIII of France, the violin started to gain prestige.
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The Instrument
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The main strings on a violin are GDA and E, in order of lowest to highest pitch. A violin is often fitted with strings made of synthetic materials like nylon and steel.
Famous Violin Makers
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Italian luthier Antonio Stradivarius created what are arguably considered the best violins in the world. Stradivarius violins or strads, as these instruments are often called, have sold for millions of dollars and are played by professionals. They also attract violin collectors. Andrea Amati and Guiseppe Guarneri are the two other master violin makers who created instruments considered to be equal or nearly equal to Stradivarius.
Electric Violins
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Electric violins are manufactured by makers such as MSI, Zeta and John Jordan. Prices may start as low as about $150 and can be as high as $3,000 or more.
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