The Violin: History, Facts, and Benefits
A violin is a four-stringed instrument. You draw a bow across the strings to play it or you can use your fingers to pluck the strings. Invented in Italy in the 16th century, it underwent significant modifications in the 18th and 19th centuries. Currently, the most sought after violins by collectors and violinists are those made by the Guarneri, Stradivari, & Amati families in the 16th to 18th century.
Interesting Facts about Violins
• Many researchers believe that Andrea Amati made the first violin in 1500.
• Did you know that the word violin is a Medieval Latin-derived word? It comes from the name vitula, which means stringed instrument.
• The most expensive violin ever sold went for $18 million. Giuseppe Guarneri had designed it in 1741.
• Some researchers claim that playing this instrument is an excellent workout that rids you of 170 calories or more each hour.
Benefits of Playing Violin
Violins are beautiful instruments. Moreover, they produce an amazing variety of sounds. However, you might not be aware of the fact that they offer you physical and mental benefits. Here are some of these benefits.
• Improved dexterity in your fingers: As you learn to play difficult songs, your fingers will strain to reach the string, but this strain will reduce gradually as your fingers become dexterous.
• Increased arm strength: During the first days of playing, your arms will tire quickly. Then your arms will become active as you embrace this instrument. Soon, you will be playing it for hours.
• Improved concentration: reading violin music and translating the notes requires a lot of concentration. This concentration builds up as a skill within you, a skill that you can transfer to other aspects of your life.
Some of The Greatest Violin Players of All-time
Jascha Heifetz (1901 to 1987)
Jascha is one of the most loved and best violinist players of all time. He had a 65-year playing career. Heifetz’s playing was so perfect that George Bernard Shaw once wrote him a letter appreciating his music.
Niccolo Paganini (1782 to 1840)
He is an Italian player and one of the most celebrated violinists of his time. He wrote 25 caprices for solo violin.
Keep reading: “Inspiration from the Life of Niccolo Paganini”>>
Read on: “3 Tips to motivate your child to practice violin”>>
For more questions, contact us at info@willanacademy.com or 646-838-3990. Willan Academy of Music offers piano lessons, guitar lessons, and more in NYC, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
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