The Violin The instrument that changed music history

Predecessors, Part I Predecessors: Rebec Lira da braccio Renaissance fiddle Developed in Northern Italy at the end of the 1600’s Not the same as a Viola da Gamba!

Predecessors, Part II First appeared in Spain in the mid 1500’s, but was most popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Descended from the Arabian rebab and Vielle Flat backs, sloped shoulders, C holes, frets, and 6 strings tuned in fourths.

Andrea Amati (c ) Amati was the first of the recognized masters of violinmaking. Born into a world filled with “scientific revolution.” During his lifetime: Copernicus proposed that the earth rotates around the sun (1512) Johannes Kepler ( ) founds theoretical astronomy. Galileo ( ) founds experimental physics. Santorio ( ) invents the hydrometer Shortly after Amati’s death: Marin Mersenne calculates the speed of sound in air using gunshots (1640) Isaac Newton discovers the light spectrum and tone colors (1672)

Brother Amati Violin, 1624

The Amati Family, Andrea Amati ( ) Antonio Amati ( ) Girolamo Amati ( ) Nicolo Amati ( ) Andrea Guarneri ( ) Antonio Stradivari ( ) Antonio Stradivari sets the standard for all future instruments.

François Xavier Tourte ( ) Considered the most important figure in the development of the modern bow. Developments include: Counterbalanced tip and frog, with balance point at the lower third, about 19 cm from the frog. Heavier frog with shape still used today. Longer – with a usable hair-length of 65 cm. Spreader block, prevents tangling and eliminates need for a comb. Adjustable screw which adjusts tension of the hair. Tourte destroyed any bow that was not entirely faultless. Followed by Dominique Peccatte ( ) and Nicolas Lupot ( ).

Continued Evolution: The 1800’s The bridge is raised and curvature increased Soundpost thickened Neck angled back Pitch raised from A=426 to A=440 Lengthened fingerboard Tourte bow

Early Violin Repertoire Claudio Monteverdi is the first composer to require the use of 4 th position in Vespro della Beata Vergine, Giuseppe Torelli ( ) writes some of the first concertos (mostly concerto grossi) for trumpet and violin. Antonio Vivaldi “The Red Priest” ( ) Over 500 Concertos, 230+ for violin and orchestra Inspired J.S. Bach’s violin concertos. Bach transcribed Vivaldi’s violin works for harpsichord Arcangelo Corelli ( ) writes the 12 sonatas for violin, and begins virtuoso violin playing.