The violin, despite being a medieval instrument, never goes out of style. It’s in fact a must-have in any modern orchestra. More than 300 years of history comprise the violin as we know it today, a stringed musical instrument that produces melodies capable of captivating even the most discerning ear.
The violin is a four-stringed instrument tuned in fifths and played with a bow. It is the smallest and highest-sounding bowed string instrument. It is constructed of finely carved wood and consists of a figure-eight sound box (narrow in the middle) and a fretless neck.
What is the origin of the violin?
The history of the violin began several centuries ago, specifically in the early 16th century in northern Italy, between the cities of Brescia and Cremona. It emerged as an evolution of instruments such as the ravanastron, originally from India, the Greek kithara, the Arabic rabab, and the Spanish rebec. However, instruments such as the vieille from France and later, the viola da braccio from Italy, are the ones that developed into the violin we know today.
Who and When Invented the Violin?
The inventor of the violin is attributed to the Italian Andrea Amati, originally from the city of Cremona, who designed and built the oldest violin dating back to 1555. However, other famous luthiers, such as Gasparo Bertolotti da Saló from the province of Brescia, are also recognized for making violins of unique quality at the end of that same century.
Evolution of the Violin: How Did It Become Our Current Instrument?
The history of the violin is influenced by the diverse cultural exchanges between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, which in one way or another played a part in the development of this instrument. Before the violin, there were some very ancient string instruments, such as the Ravanastron, dating back to 5000 BC, and also played with bows.
Other medieval instruments, such as the viella, had a structure and shape similar to the most primitive violin. Gradually, the instrument evolved and underwent minor modifications in its frame, sound box, and even the way it was played. These were made from excellent woods such as maple and spruce.
Beginning in the 16th century, with the help of expert luthiers such as Antonio de Amati, and later, Gasparo Bertolotti da Salò and his students, the art of violin making was born. By the mid-17th century, Antonio Stradivari, considered one of Italy’s most prestigious luthiers, gained prominence. He made certain modifications to the instrument’s size, structure, and sound.
At that time, the so-called “golden age” of the violin began, and renowned virtuoso violinists such as Vivaldi, Monteverdi, and Pietro Locatelli began to be recognized in Italy. In the 19th century, with the advent of industrialization, these instruments began to be mass-produced, and numerous imitations of older violins emerged. Furthermore, conventional gut strings were replaced by synthetic or metal strings.
In the 20th century, carbon fiber violins began to be manufactured for greater economy, and later the electric violin was born, which has an electronic output signal.
The Structure of the Violin and its Parts
Did you know that despite its small size and “simple” structure, a violin is made up of at least 69 parts? The main ones are the top and back, which make up the soundboard. The former are usually made of softwood like spruce, and the latter of hardwood like maple. Another part you won’t overlook is the strings.
What other parts does the violin have? Some of them are:
– Hoops
– Steaks
– Tuning fork
– Handle
– Volute.
– Tuning head.
– Bridge.
– Upper and lower capo
– Cordal.
The violin also has two very characteristic “F”-shaped openings for the soundboard. The internal components are known as the soundboard, the tuning pegs, the backrest, and the sound bar, and are essential for achieving excellent sound transmission.
The violin’s four strings run from the tailpiece, over the bridge and fingerboard, to the tuning peg. Traditionally, the strings were made from sheep gut, and the bow was composed of a large amount of horsehair.
Today, the materials used to make violin strings have expanded. More resistant synthetic or metallic materials are mostly used, such as pearl, aluminum, stainless steel, silver, titanium, tungsten, and others. Although gut-stringed violins still exist, most violinists prefer synthetic or metallic strings.
There’s a curious fact about violin tuning. Regardless of the material of the strings, if you’re traveling by plane, the instrument must be out of tune. If the strings are under tension, sudden changes in pressure can cause one of them to break.
Most common techniques for playing the violin
We know you’re not going to learn to play the violin by reading a few lines, but you must have a general idea of how to play it.
Most commonly, the lower part of the violin rests on the left shoulder or collarbone. This allows the left hand to be free to reach the strings and press them against the fingerboard, while the right hand is used to skillfully manipulate the bow.
For its interpretation, certain techniques and movements allow us to exploit the qualities of the instrument and the sounds it produces.
● Pizzicato: This is a technique widely used on all string instruments and consists of precisely, gently, and firmly plucking the strings.
● Vibrato: Used to vary the frequencies of notes and improve the sound. Vibrato on the violin is a widely used technique, involving a wrist movement that slides the finger back and forth across the string.
More complex techniques such as trills, tremolos, double strings, and glissandos are also used by more experienced violinists to achieve the desired notes and perform the most complex violin scores.
There are also certain techniques performed with the right hand, such as col legno, in which the wooden part of the bow is used to play, legato, spiccato, and martelé, among others.
The violin is a fascinating instrument, but also one of the most difficult to learn to play. But don’t be discouraged; for those who are motivated, its difficulties won’t hold them back. Furthermore, despite current musical innovations, this instrument has remained the quintessential solo instrument and the mainstay of ensemble music.