Happy Violin Day!
Yesterday was National Violin Day for 2025! A day to honor those great violinists out there. Everyone has a favorite! I am sharing my favorite three 2025 list of violinists of all time. . .
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History of the Violin:
It is widely accepted that the earliest fiddlers originated from Turkic and Mongolian horsemen in Inner Asia. These musicians utilized two-stringed upright fiddles that were equipped with horsehair strings. They also employed bows made from horsehair, often featuring a carved horse’s head at the end of the neck. The violins, violas, and cellos that are played today, which still utilize bows strung with horsehair, are a testament to the legacy of these nomadic cultures. In 1555, Andrea Amati was recognized for creating the oldest documented four-string violin, resembling the modern violins we know today. The “Lady Blunt” violin achieved a remarkable auction price of $15.9 million on June 20, 2011, setting a record. Instruments crafted by Stradivari are highly sought after by both musicians and collectors, often more than those made by any other luthier. A luthier is a skilled artisan who specializes in the making and repairing of violins.
Violin courtesy of Openverse
What is a Violin?
The violinist influences the sound in various ways by drawing the bow across the strings. Mastery of the violin requires the application of multiple bowing techniques. These strokes determine not only the notes produced but also the quality of each note. Although the violin is commonly linked to classical music, it seamlessly transcends different musical genres. For example, the violinist showcases the instrument’s versatility through its prominent use in baroque music, jazz, folk music, rock and roll, and soft rock.
Great Violinists, Counting Down:
- Niccolò Paganini: An Italian virtuoso celebrated for his extraordinary technical skills and compositions that expanded the possibilities of violin performance.
- Jascha Heifetz: A Russian-American violinist renowned for his impeccable technique, rich tone, and emotive playing style.
- Fritz Kreisler: An Austrian-American violinist famous for his delightful style and widely appreciated repertoire.
- Yehudi Menuhin: A British violinist recognized for his profound musicality and interpretations across a diverse range of works.
- David Oistrakh: A Russian violinist esteemed as one of the foremost violinists of the 20th century.
- Itzhak Perlman: An Israeli-American violinist acclaimed for his virtuosity and captivating performances.
- Anne-Sophie Mutter: A German violinist distinguished for her technical excellence and profound interpretations.
Henri Matisse, The violinist at the window courtesy of Openverse
My Favorite Three Violinists, Counting Down:
- Charles Waltz, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved around Kansas until he moved to Philadelphia at age 12, where he discovered live rock and roll music, inspiring my passion for it. Growing up in a musical family, Charles listened to his parents’ records and took piano lessons at 5 and violin at 10, and was influenced by his older brothers. As a teenager, he performed blending violin into rock and blues bands and orchestras. At 18, he returned to Kansas City and joined the band “Shooting Star,” where they released five albums. Afterward, he focused on songwriting before moving to Los Angeles, where I worked with various musicians and joined the “Young Dubliners”, while also being part of “The Automatics.”
- Allen Sloan, (born 1958), is a US violinist and violist, primarily recognized as a member of the American rock/fusion group Dixie Dregs. He is currently practicing as an anesthesiologist, yet he has continued to engage in music.
- Robby Steinhardt (born on May 25, 1950; passed July 17, 2021; age 71 years) was an American violinist (Facebook page) who played in the multi-Gold and Multi-Platinum band “Kansas,” a 70’s-80’s progressive rock, now classic rock band, that has still not disbanded and has 2025 tour dates.
A Few Facts:
I am sharing some important, and not so trivial info on violins. . .
Types of Violins:
- Violins (Utilized in and out of an Orchestra): As the highest-pitched instrument within the string family, the violin is renowned for its agility. In orchestral settings, violins are typically divided into First and Second sections, with the principal player of the First Violins also serving as the orchestra’s leader.
- Baroque Violin: Originating in the 16th century, this type of violin features a shallower neck angle and lower string tension compared to the classical violin.
- Classical Violin: This is the conventional violin characterized by a slender neck and higher string tension.
- Electric Violin: A versatile instrument frequently employed by jazz musicians.
- Hardanger Fiddle: A traditional instrument from Norway, dating back to the 17th century, also referred to as a hardingfele, commonly used for fiddle-style performances.
- Viola (Utilized in and out of an Orchestra): Resembling the violin but larger in size, the viola’s dimensions have never been fully standardized due to its size variations.
- Cello (Utilized in and out of an Orchestra): The cello typically plays lower tones and harmonies, providing support to the violins. It is also a key component of traditional string quartets, as well as larger ensembles, trios, and duos.
Violin courtesy of Openverse
Major Brands of Violins:
- Eastman
- Yamaha
- Cecilio
- Cremona
- Mendini
- Stentor
- Knilling
- Fiddlerman
- Tower Strings Entertainer violin Outfit
- Primavera
- Strad
Photo by Mohamed_hassanPhoto by Mohamed_hassan
The Present:
People still love the violin. . .the sound, the playing and the players!
The Future:
The future of violins definitely needs young recruits to take the stages across the world. . .
FREEBIES & DEALS For Violins:
🎻FREE: Violin Day Fonts
🎶 FREE: Violin Day: Crafts + Printable
🎻 FREE: Violin Day: Sheet music
🎶 CHEAP: Violin Day: Ideas, Crafts & Worksheets
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violin courtesy of Openverse
National Violin Day
