The Violin: A Cherished Instrument Across Time and Genres

(headline image: Antonio Giuliani etude violin by Kennedy Violins)

The violin, often called a fiddle in informal or folk music contexts, is a wooden string instrument in the chordophone family. It is the smallest and highest-pitched instrument in the violin family, which also includes the viola, cello, and double bass. Typically, violins have four strings tuned in perfect fifths (G3, D4, A4, E5) and are most commonly played using a bow made of a wooden stick and horsehair. Alternate playing techniques include plucking the strings (pizzicato) and striking them with the bow’s wooden side (col legno).

The modern violin originated in 16th-century Italy, evolving from earlier bowed instruments like the rebec and vielle. Renowned luthiers such as the Amati, Guarneri, and Stradivari families in Cremona, as well as Gasparo da Salò in Brescia, refined its design through the 17th and 18th centuries. Their instruments, created during the “Golden Age” of violin making, are prized by musicians and collectors alike for their unmatched craftsmanship and tonal quality.

Violins are typically crafted from specific types of wood: spruce for the top, maple for the back, sides, and neck, and ebony for the fingerboard and fittings. Strings may be made from gut, synthetic materials, or steel. Variations include electric violins, which feature solid bodies and piezoelectric pickups for amplified sound.

The violin has a prominent place in Western classical music, where it is a staple in solo, chamber, and orchestral performances. It is equally vital in various folk traditions, including Irish, Scottish, Nordic, bluegrass, and country music. Jazz violinists such as Stéphane Grappelli and Regina Carter have expanded the instrument’s reach, while rock and fusion artists like Jean-Luc Ponty, Jerry Goodman, Robby Steinhardt, Nash the Slash and Joe Deninzon incorporated it into contemporary styles.

In Indian classical music, the violin is tuned and held differently, adapting to the requirements of ragas and improvisation. Players sit cross-legged with the instrument’s scroll resting on the ankle, enabling flexible fingering and a steady playing position.

Violins were extensively used in popular music during the early 20th century, especially in swing and traditional pop. The Motown sound of the 1960s and 1970s prominently featured string sections. Although the rise of synthesizers in the 1980s reduced the violin’s presence in mainstream popular music, it plays a leading role in innovative progressive rock bands such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, Curved Air, UK, FM, Kansas, Hoelderlin, Dixie Dregs, Solstice, Big Big Train, Thank You Scientist, Joe Deninzon and Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius.

Master violin makers, including Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, and Domenico Montagnana, produced instruments that continue to set the standard for excellence. Meanwhile, renowned 20th century jazz violinists like Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, and modern innovators such as Darol Anger and Mark O’Connor have demonstrated the instrument’s versatility across genres.

Folk Music and Fiddling: The Violin’s Global and Traditional Roots

The violin, though refined during the Renaissance for classical music, has deep roots in folk traditions worldwide. By the late Renaissance, the instrument’s improved tone, volume, and agility made it indispensable not only in art music but also among folk musicians. Its widespread appeal led to the displacement of older bowed instruments across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and ethnomusicologists have noted its significant role in diverse cultural traditions.

When used in folk music, the violin is often referred to as a fiddle. Fiddle music is typically associated with dance traditions, relying on rhythmic drive and distinctive techniques like droning, shuffling, and ornamentation, which vary by style.

Unlike western classical music, folk fiddle tunes are usually transmitted orally, with players learning by ear and passing the repertoire through generations. This oral tradition encourages improvisation and personal interpretation, hallmarks of folk music. Equally important, in some American styles, such as bluegrass and old-time, fiddlers may employ cross-tuning (scordatura), adjusting string pitches to enhance resonance and facilitate certain techniques.

To accommodate the demands of folk styles, some players modify their instruments. For example, a flatter bridge curve simplifies bowing across multiple strings, making advanced techniques like the “double shuffle” easier. Additionally, fiddlers often use solid steel-core strings and tailpieces with fine tuners on all strings for easier adjustments during performances.

The violin is a popular instrument in many traditions including bluegrass and old time; Celtic music; Nordic European music; Mexican and diaspora mariachi ensembles; Central and Eastern European, and Roma music; tango; American country, and western swing music, Cajun and Zydeco music, and Indian music.

The Electric Violin

The electric violin is a modern adaptation that amplifies the traditional instrument using magnetic or piezoelectric pickups. These pickups convert string vibrations into electrical signals, which are transmitted to amplifiers or PA systems. Electric violins may be purpose-built or created by retrofitting acoustic violins with pickups.

Electric violins come in various designs, ranging from minimalistic, solid-body models to electro-acoustic hybrids. Electro-acoustic violins often resemble traditional violins but may feature alternative materials and colorful finishes.

Like electric guitars, electric violins can be paired with effects units such as distortion, reverb, and wah-wah pedals.

The first electric violins were developed in the late 1920s by innovators like Victor Pfeil and George Beauchamp. Initially adopted by jazz fusion and progressive rock musicians such as Jean-Luc Ponty and Jerry Goodman, electric violins later gained popularity in genres ranging from rock and pop to experimental music.

The Art of Cremonese Violin Craftsmanship

In 2012, the traditional violin craftsmanship of Cremona, Italy, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its enduring cultural and artistic significance.

Cremona is renowned worldwide for its meticulous process of crafting and restoring violins, violas, cellos, and contrabasses. This tradition is upheld by master violin-makers, who undergo rigorous training that begins with specialized education emphasizing a close teacher-student relationship. Following formal schooling, artisans complete apprenticeships in local workshops, where they refine their skills in a process of continuous learning.

The creation of each instrument is a labor-intensive endeavor, with individual violin-makers crafting between three and six instruments annually. Each piece is composed of more than 70 separate components, painstakingly shaped and assembled by hand around an internal mold. The selection of wood is a critical aspect of the process, with materials chosen for their specific acoustic properties and seasoned naturally over time. Importantly, no semi-industrial or industrial materials are used, ensuring that each instrument is a unique work of art, tailored to its individual components.

This craftsmanship demands a blend of precision and creativity, as artisans adapt established principles and personal expertise to meet the distinctive requirements of every instrument. Collaboration with musicians is a key aspect of the process, as understanding the needs of performers helps shape the functionality and tonal qualities of each creation.

The cultural heritage of Cremonese violin-making is actively preserved and promoted by organizations such as the Consorzio Liutai Antonio Stradivari and the Associazione Liutaria Italiana. These groups play a pivotal role in sustaining the craft and its relevance within the community. Beyond its economic impact, violin craftsmanship is integral to Cremona’s identity, deeply embedded in the city’s social and cultural fabric. This tradition is celebrated through local rituals, festivals, and events, underscoring its enduring role in the city’s heritage.

The recognition by UNESCO not only honors the artisans of Cremona but also highlights the universal value of preserving such intricate, community-centered traditions.

Kaustinen Fiddle Playing and Related Practices and Expressions, Finland

The Kaustinen fiddling tradition was Inscribed in 2021 (16.COM) on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Kaustinen folk music is a traditional Finnish musical practice centered around the fiddle, which serves as the primary melodic instrument, although other instruments may also be included. This music accompanies dances and songs, often led by the fiddle either alone or alongside other instruments. Characterized by syncopated and accented rhythms, the music is well-suited for dancing and is traditionally learned by ear.

The distinctive style and techniques associated with Kaustinen folk music have been cultivated for over 250 years, resulting in a repertoire of several hundred tunes specific to the region. The music is performed in various settings, including private gatherings, organized groups, public celebrations, ceremonies such as weddings, concerts, and informal jam sessions. It is also prominently featured during the annual Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, where performers often wear traditional costumes.

Kaustinen folk music holds deep cultural significance for the local population. For many residents of Kaustinen and neighboring communities, it represents an integral part of their personal and communal identity, even for those who do not actively practice the tradition. The music fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens intergenerational connections. Its importance is also reflected in local symbols, such as the fiddle depicted on Kaustinen’s coat of arms and the naming of public spaces.

The Importance of the Hardanger Fiddle in Setesdal’s Traditional Music and Dance

In 2019, the traditional music, dance, and singing practices of Setesdal, Norway, were added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Setesdal’s tradition combines instrumental music, singing, and dance into an integrated social practice. The melodies, often named after the ‘gangar’ dance, are primarily dance tunes. These tunes are also used for ‘stev,’ four-line lyrical songs that tell stories or describe the performances. ‘Stev’ are sung solo or in a dynamic exchange between two or more singers, known as ‘stevjing.’

The dances, performed by solo couples or groups moving in a clockwise circle, feature partner changes and range from restrained movements to energetic displays. Music is typically played on the Hardanger fiddle, Norway’s national instrument, and the jaw harp.

World Fiddle Day

World Fiddle Day is a joyful annual celebration dedicated to the rich and diverse tradition of fiddle music, observed on the third Saturday of May. It brings together musicians and enthusiasts in communities around the globe, particularly in regions with a deep appreciation for this dynamic instrument.

The event was founded in 2012 by County Donegal fiddler Caoimhín Mac Aoidh. The date holds historical significance, as it aligns with the anniversary of the 1737 death of Antonio Stradivari, the renowned Italian craftsman whose violins and string instruments set the gold standard for excellence.

Canada embraced this celebration in 2015 by officially declaring it National Fiddle Day, underscoring the instrument’s enduring cultural and musical importance in the country.

Bluegrass Fiddlers

Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter , Stuart Duncan, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Deanie Richardson, Patrick McAvinue, Becky Buller, Christian Sedelmyer, John Mailander, Alex Hargreaves, Allison Krauss, Darol Anger, Blaine Sprouse, Aubrey Haynie and Gabe Witcher. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other talented blugegrass fiddlers players out there.

Celtic Fiddlers from Ireland, Scotland, the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia

Martin Hayes, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Altan), John McCusker, Alasdair Frasier, Bruce Molsky, Oisin Mac Diarmada, Tatiana Hargreaves, Brittany Haas, Jerry Holland, Aly Bain, Kevin Burke, Ciaran Tourish, Liz Carroll, Emma Sweeney, MacDara O Raghallaigh, Chris Duncan, Lauren MacColl, Aidan O’Rourke (Lau), Natalie MacMaster, Bonnie Rideout, and Ashley McIsaac. Please keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other Celtic music fiddlers.

Indian and Indian Diaspora Violinists

L. Subramaniam, N. Rajam, Kala Ramnath, Sangeeta Shankar, Lakshminarayana Shankar, Ganesh and Kumaresh, Ambi Subramaniam, Ragini Shankar, Nandini Shankar, L. Athira Krishna, Vittal Ramamurthy, Delhi P. Sunder Rajan, H.K. Narasimha Murthy, Nandini Muthuswamy, Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi, Sharat Chandra Srivastava, Charumathi Raghuraman, R. K. Shriramkumar, Roopa Revathi, Sabareesh Prabhaker, Embar Kannan, H. K. Venkatram, V. V. Ravi, Manoj George, Satyakam Mohkamsing, M. Chandrasekaran, Fayiz Muhammed, G. J. R. Krishnan, Johar Ali Khan, and Gingger Shankar. It’s important to remember that this list is not all-inclusive; many other exceptional Indian violinists exist.

Scandinavian Fiddlers (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland)

Mats Edén, Knut Buen, Vidar Lande, Annbjørg Lien, Olav Luksengård Mjelva, Anders Hall, Gjermund Larsen, Einar-Olav Larsen, Esko Järvelä, Alina Järvelä, Tero Hyväluoma, Tommi Asplund, Sigrid Moldestad, Nils Økland, Benedicte Maurseth, Anne Hytta, Kristina Leesik, Harald Haugaard, Alina Kivivuori, Antti Järvelä, Kristian Bugge, Maja Kjær Jacobsen, Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, and the ensemble Frigg that features 3-4 fiddlers. Bear in mind that this is not a comprehensive list, as there are numerous other talented Scandinavian fiddlers out there.

Tango Violinists

The violin played a leading role in tango for many decades. Some of the finest violinists of the 20th century included Enrique Mario Francini, Mario Abramovich, Antonio Agri, Florindo Sassone, Elvino Vardaro, Fernando Suárez Paz, and Eduardo Walczak.

Top tango violinists today include Leonardo Ferreyra, Pablo Agri, Serdar Geldymuradov (Quinteto Astor Piazzolla), Matias Craciun, Pablo Sangiorgio, Mario Arce, Gustavo Pontoriero, Miguel Condomí, Irene Cadario, Daniel Thau, Ana Florencia Argañaraz, Lisandro Carreras, Fernando Herman, Gerardo Ariel Espandrio, Rubén Hovsepian, Valeria Matsuda, Juan Bautista Bringas and Mayumi. Please be aware that this is not a complete list, and there are many more gifted tango violin players.

Western Classical Music Violinists

Anne-Sophie Mutter, Joshua Bell, Itzhak Perlman, Christian Tetzlaff, Jennifer Koh, Nigel Kennedy, Janine Jansen, Sarah Chang, Ara Malikian, Curtis Stewart, Maxim Vengerov, Gil Shaham, Ari Urban, Nicola Benedetti, Viktoria Mullova, Antoine Tamestit, John Sherba, Augustin Hadelich, Lisa Batiashvili, Ray Chen, Julia Fischer, Leonidas Kavakos, James Ehnes, Rachel Barton Pine, Anne Akiko Meyers, Renaud Capuçon, Miguel Borrego Martín, Antal Zalai, María Dueñas Fernández, Kristīne Balanas, Roman Kim, Vadim Repin, Patricia Cordero Beltrán, Nemanja Radulovic, Vicente Cueva, Rebeca Nuez Suárez, Pablo Martos, Francisco Fullana. Note that this list is not exhaustive, and many other accomplished western classical music violinists are not mentioned here.

Flamenco Violin

The violin is a relatively new and still rare instrument within flamenco music. However, classically trained Paco Montalvo has introduced the flamenco violin to great success.

Leading String Ensembles

String ensembles are a popular format within western classical music, specially chamber music, as well as traditional and modern folk music. Western classical music ensembles typically feature two violins, a viola and a cello. The following list includes western classical, crossover and roots music string ensembles.

Kronos Quartet [current lineup]: David Harrington (violin); Gabriela Díaz (violin); Ayane Kozasa (viola); Paul Wiancko (cello).

Takács Quartet: Edward Dusinberre (violin); Harumi Rhodes (violin), Richard O’Neill (viola) and András Fejér (cello)

Jupiter Quartet: Nelson Lee (violin); Meg Freivogel (violin); Liz Freivogel (viola), and Daniel McDonough (cello).

The String Queens: Kendall Isadore (violin); Dawn Johnson (viola); Élise Sharp, violoncello

Nordic Fiddlers Bloc: 3 violinists: Olav Luksengård Mjelva (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden) and Kevin Henderson (Shetland Islands)

Del Sol String Quartet. Benjamin Kreith & Hyeyung Sol Yoon (violin); Charlton Lee (viola); Kathryn Bates (cello)

Turtle Island Quartet: Naseem Alatrash (cello); David Balakrishnan (violin); Gabriel Terracciano (violin); Benjamin von Gutzeit (viola)

Horszowski Trio: Jesse Mills (violin); Ole Akahoshi (cello); Rieko Aizawa (piano)

Belcea Quartet: Corina Belcea (violin); Suyeon Kang (violin); Krzysztof Chorzelski (viola); Antoine Lederlin (cello)

Quatuor Ébène: Pierre Colombet (violin); Gabriel Le Magadure (violin); Marie Chilemme (viola); Yuya Okamoto (cello)

Danish String Quartet: Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen (violin); Frederik Øland (violin); Asbjørn Nørgaard (viola); Fredrik Schøyen Sjölin (cello)

Vision String Quartet: Florian Willeitner (violin); Daniel Stoll (violin); Leonard Disselhorst (cello); Sander Stuart (viola)

Pacifica quartet: Simin Ganatra (violin); Austin Hartman (violin); Mark Holloway (viola); Brandon Vamos (cello)

Dalí String Quartet: Ari Isaacman-Beck (violin), Carlos Rubio (violin), Adriana Linares (viola), Jesús Morales (cello)

Meta4 Quartet: Antti Tikkanen (violin); Minna Pensola (violin); Atte Kilpeläinen (viola); Tomas Djupsjöbacka (cello)

Alos Quartet: Xabier Zeberio: (nyckelharpa, violin); Francisco Herrero (violín); Lorena Nuñez (viola); Alejandro Saúl (cello).

Formosa Quartet: Deborah Pae (cello); Matthew Cohen (viola); David Bernat (violin); Jasmine Lin (violin)

Escher String Quartet: Adam Barnett-hart (violin); Brendan Speltz (violin); Pierre Lapointe (viola); Brook Speltz (cello)

Aizuri Quartet: Emma Frucht (violin); Miho Saegusa (violin); Ayane Kozasa (viola); Karen Ouzounian (cello)

Time For Three (TF3): Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals); Charles Yang (violin, vocals); Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals)