Violin
The violin was first known in 16th-century Italy, with some further modifications occurring in the 18th and 19th centuries to give the instrument a more powerful sound and projection. In Europe, it served as the basis for the development of other stringed instruments used in Western classical music, such as the viola Cremona. Andrea Amati (c. 1511-1577) who was originally a maker of lutes, viols and rebecs, began the school of violin making in Cremona. He is widely credited with creating the first known violin. The history of the electric violin spans the entire 20th century. The success of electrical amplification, recording and playback devices brought an end to the use of the Stroh violin in broadcast and recording.
The fingerboard, for instance, was lengthened to reach the middle of the body. This was done to allow the players to play more of the high end of the E string. To increase the volume and brightness of the tone, the bridge was raised, along with the position of the fingerboard, to increase string tension.Older instruments to which these improvements have been made and new instruments modeled on these instruments are referred to as modern violins, while older violins that have kept their original form are referred to as baroque violins. Today, almost all Stradivari and Guarneri violins have been modified into modern violins. The preferred material for the stick of the violin bow has been pernambuco wood, which only grows in the Amazon delta region in South America. Originally, it was exported to Germany for use in creating dyes, but because of its unusual hardness, it began to be used to make bows. However, in recent years, this natural resource has began to become depleted. Tree farms were also created, but it takes 30 years for this tree to attain full growth.
The carbon bow shown in the figure below uses carbon instead of wood. Developed to protect the global environment while ensuring that the seeds of music continue to germinate, carbon bows have has good gripping characteristics and are long lasting.
The bow hair is made of a hank of horsehair. A single violin bow will use between 160 and 180 individual hairs. These hairs are all attached next to each to form a ribbon. The instrument is trapped between the chin and the shoulder to stabilize it. The way the bow is moved, calling “bowing,” determines the length, volume, tone, and other characteristics of the note.
However, you may be surprised to discover that there are many excellent, lifelong benefits of playing the violin; and learning to play it, like any undertaking, simply requires having the right tools and the right instruction.
- Improved Memory and Attention Span
- Better Overall Mental Function and Health
- Sensory Development
- Social Skills
- A Sense of Belonging
- An Emotional Outlet
- Physical Benefits, Improved Posture
- Reduced Stress and levels of anxiety
- Improved mental function and health Going back to performance later in life; a new, positive outlook
- Proven stimulus of the brain and prevention of early neuron deterioration
- It can also improve your reading skills, language processing, speech and attention span.
If you are interested, RoyElite encourage you to get an instrument, get an instructor, and start playing! It will take you on a journey that can last the rest of your life!