The Violin

It leads the symphony orchestra, powers folk bands, and takes on complex lead lines in jazz ensembles: the violin is the best-known member of the string family and, for many, the “queen of musical instruments.” Nearly every major composer wrote sonatas and concertos for it, shaping classical music like no other instrument and giving today’s violinists access to a vast repertoire.

In classical music, virtuosos such as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Hilary Hahn, and Itzhak Perlman continue to inspire. Artists like David Garrett and Lindsey Stirling showcase its versatility in pop and film music. You’ll also find the violin front and center in folk and bluegrass. The legendary Stéphane Grappelli—the “Grandfather of Jazz Violinists”—cemented its status as a serious jazz instrument with his expressive style.

The History of the Violin

Evolving from the medieval lute, the violin took its now-familiar four-string form in the 16th century thanks to Italian pioneer Andrea Amati. In Cremona he founded the most famous school of violin making, setting standards that remain unmatched.

His disciples established legendary luthier dynasties such as Guarneri, Ruggeri, and Bergonzi. Master maker Antonio Stradivari refined the instrument to new heights, making Cremona synonymous with world-class craftsmanship. The art spread beyond Italy as well—through Mathias Klotz and Jakob Stainer to Tyrol, Mittenwald, and Mirecourt in France, where new centers of violin making emerged.

Today, Cremonese violins rank among the most valuable instruments on earth. In 2014, a Stradivari viola fetched an astonishing €32.6 million at auction—still the record price for a musical instrument.

FAQ – Violin Essentials