Violin

The Welsh crwth, also known as crowd or crouth, is a very old instrument specified as British around 609 A.D. It was originally strung with three strings, later with six, and played with a bow. It is considered a possible ancestor of the violin.

The violin has origins dating back over 1,000 years, and has been an important instrument in various musical genres and traditions.

Around 1485, Brescia became known for its school of highly skilled string players and renowned makers of various string instruments during the Renaissance period.

The earliest illustrations of the violin we know today appeared in Italian art around 1508. During the end of the sixteenth century, the lira and violin shared the same features yet they both developed separately along with the viol, viola and cello.

The violin has existed in its current form for nearly 500 years, with its modern version being established around 1521.

In around 1525, Andrea Amati is credited with developing the violin as we know it today.

In 1530, Gaudenzio Ferrari painted Madonna of the Orange Tree, featuring a cherub playing a bowed instrument that resembles a violin. This painting is one of the earliest clear records of a violin-like instrument.

In 1538, the first extant written use of the Italian term 'violino' occurred, referring to 'violini Milanesi' (Milanese violinists) brought to Nice during negotiations. This marks an important milestone in the history of the violin.

The violin appeared in its current form suddenly around 1550, distinguishing itself from its ancestors in terms of completeness.

Andrea Amati created the first violin, named Charles IX, inspired by the Lira da Braccio. This marked the introduction of a new European string instrument, leading to the development of a family of musical instruments.

The treatise written in 1556 by Philibert Jambe de Fer gives a clear description of the violin family much as we know it today.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses an Amati violin possibly dating back to 1558, but the exact date is uncertain.

The oldest surviving violin, crafted in 1560, was made by Andrea Amati, showcasing the enduring legacy of his craftsmanship.

The oldest confirmed surviving violin, dated inside, made by Andrea Amati in Cremona in 1564. The label's authenticity is questionable.

Around 1565, Andre Amati built the oldest violin in existence today, marking a significant milestone in the history of violin making.

By 1600, Cremona had established itself as the undisputed center of violin making in Europe, showcasing the craftsmanship and expertise of renowned luthiers in the region.

In 1630, Nicolò Amati, the only surviving violin maker in Cremona after the plague, introduced the 'Grand Amati' design characterized by wider violins with elegantly shaped sound holes, solidifying the Amati workshop's reputation in Europe.

Around 1666, Antonio Stradivari, considered the greatest violin maker in history, started making violins using traditional Amati techniques and his own designs. He eventually perfected the form and sound of the instrument, becoming famous for his revolutionary design and use of quality materials.

In 1668, Antonio Stradivari, a former apprentice of Amati, started making his own violins with flatter arching and high-quality spruce to enhance the tone. His innovative changes aimed to create a richer and more vibrant sound, leaving a significant impact on the violin world.

In 1712, the organist of the Freiberg Cathedral designed the curved baroque bow, allowing violinists to effectively play chords. German violinists often used these arched baroque bows due to German literature requiring players to play even chords.

The Messiah Stradivarius, also known as 'Salabue', made by Antonio Stradivari in 1716, is one of the most famous and well-preserved violins, rarely played and in pristine condition. It is currently housed in the Ashmolean Museum of Oxford.

The Bach E Major Violin Concerto was composed around 1720, during a time when violins had no chin or shoulder rest and the strings were made of gut. Today, violinists performing this piece admire the skill required to play it several hundred years ago.

In 1743, Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri made modifications to the violin by constructing them broader at the waist with long f-holes and inner bouts, inspired by Stradivari's violins. These changes resulted in a tone similar to Stradivari's violins, and his design is still influential in violin making today.

Around 1775, Francois Tourte began making the modern violin bow longer and with pernambuco wood. This transition marked the bow's significance from being a mere accessory to being considered equal to the violin itself.

In the 1780s, Francois Tourte developed the first modern bow for violins, featuring a curved stick, thicker horsehair, and made from Brazil wood. These innovations enhanced precision and expanded bow techniques, becoming a standard choice for violinists today.

In around 1786, Françoise Xavier Tourte invented the modern violin bow by changing its bend to arch backwards, standardizing its length and weight, which had a significant impact on violin playing.

Louis Spohr invented the chin rest in 1820, revolutionizing violin music by making it easier to play high, virtuosic passages. This invention allowed violinists to focus more on intricate playing styles.

In 1830, the fingerboard of the baroque violin was extended to enable the production of higher notes and enhance sound projection. This modification led to the development of a lengthened version of the violin that is still utilized by contemporary violinists.

The violin that was played as the Titanic sank was sold for several million pounds. The value of Stradivarius violins, including this one, is often determined by the instrument itself and can increase with historical significance or famous players associated with it.

The electric violin was invented in 1930 by a company called GE, although the early versions were impractical. Over time, rock musicians began incorporating electric violins into their music, leading to the diverse styles of electric violins available today.

After World War II, the demand for violins increased. Some violin makers started using automated construction methods, leading to the production of cheaper but lower-quality instruments. Others continued with traditional workshop methods to create higher-quality violins.

A book written by David Boyden that explores the history of violin playing up to the year 1761. It provides insights into the origins and development of violin techniques.

In 1970, Thomastick-Infeld introduced Dominant strings, which were the first synthetic strings for violins. These strings combined the qualities of gut and steel strings, offering a new option for violinists.

Wendy Powers discusses the renowned violin makers Nicolò Amati and Antonio Stradivari in this essay. It highlights their contributions to the world of violin making during the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 2011, a Stradivarius violin was sold for a record-breaking $16 million. The high price of Stradivarius violins is attributed to their exceptional quality and the craftsmanship of the early Italian masters.

A book by David Schoenbaum that delves into the social history of the violin, highlighting its versatility and impact on various cultures. It was published in December 2012.

An article providing guidance on buying a violin was published on October 19, 2015.

An event where the best violin case was selected on November 28, 2015.

An event discussing the distinctions between a violin and a viola on February 20, 2016.

An event providing guidance on selecting the appropriate violin strings on March 23, 2016.

The violin is a versatile instrument used in various music genres, including classical, cinematic, folk, jazz, and popular music. It is highly popular at Music & Arts, with over 53,000 violins currently rented out and more than 3,000 students taking violin lessons.