Ever since its emergence in mid-sixteenth century, the violin family has definitely been among the favourites, if not the most popular group of instruments across the western world. Initially the violin was called viola da brazzo, because of the way it is held (brazzo is Italian for “arm”). The early violin owes its special sound to strings made of animal gut and a light construction – in comparison to the modern-day instrument. It is one of the most universal instruments, equally suitable for solo, chamber and orchestral playing.
The fiddle is one of the instruments that preceded the violin. This instrument, brought to Europe by the Moors was immensely popular in medieval times as well as in the renaissance. The fiddle was particularly preferred by troubadours, who used it to accompany themselves when singing or reciting love poetry. In many languages, the word “fiddle” has feminine connotations – so, one should always remember the fiddle is a lady…