Violin
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The Violin is one of the most important members of the orchestra. Chamber music, folk, and jazz are also enhanced by its sweet sound. The violin's popularity is due to its extreme expressiveness : it can perform both slow, lyrical melodies and dazzling, rapid passages with equal effect.
| Family |
| Strings |
| Pitch range |
| At least three octaves. |
| Material |
| Wood, with steel strings. |
| Size |
| Variable. but the body is usually around 14 in (36 cm) long. |
| Origins |
| The violin evolved front the rebec and the lira da braccio. The earliest true four-stringed violins were probably in use in Europe by the early part of the 16th century. |
| Classification |
| Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
| And also... |
| A violin has to be constructed to withstand the strong downward force exerted by its four strings on the bridge, which can amount to as much as 17 lbs (7.7 kgs). |
