A violin is a long, thin instrument made of wood or metal that is played by pressing down on strings. It is typically used in European music and has been in existence for more than a thousand years. Some people play it in jazz, folk music, and chamber music. The violin is also an important part of Arabian music.
Violins are usually made in a standard full (4/4) size. Young players often use fractional sizes such as 1/16 or 7/8. They are ideal for beginners, but may be too small for adults. If you are unsure, you should have your instrument inspected and properly tuned by a luthier before purchasing it. You can find a luthier by going to a specialty retailer. These shops have a staff of luthiers who can answer your questions and offer advice.
One of the key elements of a good violin is the bridge. It keeps the string from bending. This is done by forming a flat piece of wood that extends from the body of the violin. Another piece called the tailpiece anchors the string to the top of the instrument.
Other parts of the violin include a fingerboard, which is a flat piece of wood, and a scroll, which is a thin piece of wood attached to the upper portion of the neck. These can be made of ebony, maple, or another type of wood. In addition to being strong, ebony is preferred because it has a pleasing hue.
A shoulder rest is an accessory that is used to hold the violin against the player’s shoulder. It helps keep the violin in place and is also useful for reducing fatigue. Various materials are available, from foam to metal.
During the 18th century, the violin became the most important orchestral instrument. Several famous composers wrote concertos for the violin. Among them were Mendelssohn, Bruch, and Tchaikovsky.
In the early 20th century, violinists experimented with using combinations of gut and steel strings. The combination was called Dominant. Synthetic strings were created in 1970 by Thomastick-Infeld. Since then, the violin has been used more frequently with steel or nylon strings.
Many composers wrote for the violin during the Romantic period. The violin’s sound quality changed greatly during this time. Originally, the strings were gut wound. Later, a bridge was added to the instrument to improve its sound.
Double stops are common in orchestral repertoire. They allow for simultaneous voice of three notes across three strings. To perform a double stop, the violinist makes a heavy stroke near the frog, or the soundpost, which is the piece of wood that is held in place by the strings. Sometimes, a double stop is marked as a divisi and is divided among divisions of musicians.
Violins can also be adapted to make “triple stops” and “quadruple stops” as well. Triple stops are used for two notes, while quadruple stops are used for four notes. When performing these, the virtuoso violinist will use discretion, artistic sense, and skill to play the appropriate notes.