Violin

History

The origins of the violin can be traced as far back as in the 9^th century, in Europe and Asia. However, it was not until the 16^th century when the violin appeared, relatively close to its modern day form, in Northern Italy. The very first types of major bow instruments either had a pyriform resonance box which barely had a neck, no pegs and a flat belly; or a flat, slightly arched and rounded bodied instrument, connected by ribs. In the middle ages, 11^th century, Europe, the vielle and the rote (rotta) were introduced and were played with a bow. By then, small instruments were already often played by holding it against the shoulder or breast. Originally, the number of strings had only been one or two, but as time grew on, it became more common for there to be three or four strings, or even five. Gradually, ribs, tailpieces, bridges and holes were introduced to the vielle, transforming it into the viol. Before 1500, three more families of stringed instruments appeared: the viola da gamba, the lira da braccio and the viola da braccio. Although the characteristics of the violin were created in many of the stringed instruments, the violin evolved directly from the viola da braccio. Eventually, as more and more time passed, many alterations and adjustments were brought to the stringed bow instruments, until the definite form of the violin was finally born.

Parts

Refer to image

Image taken from:

http://www.cmeabaysection.org/strings/violin.html

Sound Production

Sound on a violin is produced when the strings are bowed, plucked or struck. Sliding the strings with the bow makes the sounds smoother, longer and ultimately, more pleasant. The vibrations from the strings vibrate the wooden violin body, causing the air inside it to also vibrate, thus amplifying the sound so that it can be heard from a distance. This means that if the violin were not hollow, then the sound would not be properly heard, and the instrument would not be a true violin. Different notes are played by changing the string lengths, which can be done simply by putting a finger on the string or strings, against the bridge, then striking them with the bow. The less string there is, the less short the vibrations. Therefore, the thinner and shorter the string is, the higher the pitch and sound.

Range and Tuning

The range of a violin is from G3 (the G below the middle C) to the highest note of the piano, which is over 4.5 octaves higher. The four strings of a violin are tuned fifths apart, from G, D, A to E. The violin is tuned by turning the pegs at the pegbox, or by adjusting the screws at the tailpiece.