13th December: Violin Day

Honouring an instrument also known as the fiddle, Violin Day on December 13th celebrates the bow stringed instrument loved around the world.

By drawing the bow across the strings, the violinist manipulates the sound in several ways. A violinist uses numerous bowing techniques to master the violin. The strokes dictate not only notes, but the quality of the note played.

While we associate the violin with classical music, it easily crosses genres. For instance, the violinist demonstrates the versatility of the violin by extensive use in baroque music, jazz, folk music, rock and roll, and soft rock.

History

The violin itself evolved from medieval fiddles, and came into a distinct form by the 15th century (most violins today are copies after either Stradivarius or Amati, the latter being active as a violinmaker in the 16th century), becoming the most popular virtuoso instrument in Europe by the 1660s.