Being A Violinist: Fun And Exciting

When someone plays the violin, and mostly when played in a professional setting, they are known as a violinist. It is thought that the modern four stringed solo violin originated somewhere around 1560 AD. Because of their long history, violins have actually been a major part in shaping society and the history of the world. In every era since the violin first appeared there have been famous violin players. Violinists have one of the hardest jobs among musicians, which is why most are so respected for their skills.

Violins and violinists have a long and interesting history. Violins are thought to have evolved from Asian and Middle Eastern instruments. Violin playing did not, however, become very popular in Europe until the middle 1500s. In the 1600s, the popularity of the violin reached a point of true professionalism. Some of the original violinists in the Baroque period included J.S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. By the Classical era, violin playing was an established musical strain. More instruments were added at this point, and the introduction of opera houses and other theatrical venues made orchestras a popular entertainment of the day. With bigger productions came bigger sounds, so classical music is all about high contrast to fill the new theaters. Wolfgang Mozart was a famous solo violin player from this era. In the Romantic era, things had calmed down a bit more, but the use of a full orchestra with brass instruments was still in full swing. Things basically remained in this manner until recent years, with the introduction of the electric violin, which opened up a whole new world for violinists.

Constructing a violin is difficult. Each of the four strings is tuned to sound in perfect fifths. Each violin created has a slightly different sound, due to several differing factors. A professional violinist can tell the difference in the different sounds of each violin, although the untrained ear probably can’t. Most professionals purchase instruments of high quality, in order to increase the sound quality of their performances. Violins for professional use can cost anywhere from $20,000 to upwards of $1,000,000. The factors that go into making a high quality violin are things such as improved wood quality, better craftsmanship, and the addition of precious metals and jewels. Violin music has traditionally been present only in orchestras or with a string quartet. Any other appearance that a violin would make would be in fiddle positions or in a violin solo.

If you are a violinist, then you have one of the most interesting and fun professions around. With the varied and long background of violins, there are practically limitless processes, pieces, and techniques that can be learned all throughout your life. Typical jobs for violinists include playing in an orchestra, or being part of a string quartet. However, some talented violinists are soloists, or play in a band.