Sunday, August 16, 2009

The Distinguished History Of The Violin

By Jim Samposzi

The violin, a music maker of the category of stringed type instruments, has a large contribution in the history of the world. Although there is nobody that knows exactly, many believe this instrument to have been introduced towards the late 8th century in Asia. But, it is highly debated and no historian has exact proof. Either way, the first of today's kind of cello was not developed until the 1400's. Before this time, there were many like it but none that looked like the violin today. Some of these older models of violin-type instruments were:

The Vielle - Europe 11th century

The Rote - Europe 11th century

The Ancient Vielle - France 13th century

The Viola de Gamba - Italy 16th century

Lira de Braccio - Italy 16th century

Viola de Braccio - Italy 16th century

Vyollon - France 16th century

Violino - Italy 16th century

By taking a look at the list included before, it is clear to see that Italy was a major nation of violin-type instruments before the major overhaul of the violin. However, the first iteration of the word Violin happened in England in the fifteen hundreds. The Italians though took it further by building the closest form of today's violin. By this time, this nation took the lead on this style of instruments. Also, it is vital to point out that these violins were first built with only three strings and did not become four-stringed instruments until the late 1500's.

After time, builders from Germany, Austria, Holland, England, Norway, and Spain got involved and by the 1600's, many European countries began to craft violins. The construction of these wonderful instruments declined in the eighteenth century as they could not make it better than it was. Furthermore, the Baroque era, a time and era in music wherein the violin was the premier instrument, died. So, many did not desire the harmonious sounds that violins offered. Many tests and experiments were performed to enhance the design while keeping the same shape and sound quality. There were a lot of failing and violin sales plummeted in the 19th century.

It wasn't until the nineteen thirties that manufacturers perfected the design into the classical and traditional one we know of today. The signature f-holes were conceived and included on all new model violins during the 30's. Today, they all have the f-holes and classical scroll at the top that makes them all unique. Even if this instrument played no music at all, you cannot deny the beauty of the construction. The violin is like no other instrument and is a well-known instrument today. The violin is a very popular instrument to be learned by students of elementary and grammar schools. Although it is considered a tricky one to learn, this instrument is practiced for years so one can perfect the sound.

Whatever its origins, the violin is a most beautiful addition to musical groups, orchestras, and chamber groups. The sound that comes from this instrument is beautiful. Today, this instrument is included in American top-40 and rock music at times with some songs. The violin is constantly tinkered with by manufacturers to create the world's finest violin!

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