Violin

The violin is a musical instrument which is a member of the string family, which also includes the viola, cello, and double bass. The violin has played a central role in the orchestra since the birth of the concert orchestra, and it is also a fundamental component of the string quartet, as well as a member of other instrument ensembles. Much enduring music has been composed for solo violin as well. It has been speculated that no other instrument in the orchestra has had as much distinguished music written for it. From its early days in Italy the violin was exported throughout the world and has played a fundamental role in the musical history of numerous countries, not only in the West but also in such far-flung places as Iran and Japan. “Scarcely another instrument can produce so many nuances of expression and intensity,” writes music scholar David B. Boyden. “The violin represents one of the greatest triumphs of instrument making.”