Violin

A Brief History of the Violin

The violin is the lead voice and the most numerous instrument of the modern orchestra. The average orchestra has about 35 violins, which are divided into two sections --first and second. The violin's four strings give the instrument a range of over four octaves, including all the semitones and many microtones. Its extraordinary musical versatility, coupled with its emotional appeal and agility allow the player to express moods ranging from the tender to the dramatic.

Although no one knows who invented the violin, the first "famous" violin maker was Andrea Amati (1525 -1611) who founded the Cremonese school of violin making. Without a doubt, the greatest of all violin makers was Antonio Stradivari (1644 - 1737). Decended from an old Cremonese family, young Antonio was an associate of Amati's grandson, who taught him the art of violin making.