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The violin is also used in folk and popular music and is traditionally called a [[fiddle]]. It is just as valid a name as "violin"; in fact both words have a common origin: both derived from the Latin ''vitula,'' by separate paths.<ref>[http://www.cello.org/Newsletter/Articles/celloetymology.htm The Etymology of the Words Violin and Cello]</ref> Because it is often used to accompany dance, it gained the nickname 'the devil's instrument'. In fact, the violin has always been used for both sacred and secular music.  It has spread throughout the world and everywhere it goes it is adapted to the local musical styles.

The violin is also used in folk and popular music and is traditionally called a [[fiddle]]. It is just as valid a name as "violin"; in fact both words have a common origin: both derived from the Latin ''vitula,'' by separate paths.<ref>[http://www.cello.org/Newsletter/Articles/celloetymology.htm The Etymology of the Words Violin and Cello]</ref> Because it is often used to accompany dance, it gained the nickname 'the devil's instrument'. In fact, the violin has always been used for both sacred and secular music.  It has spread throughout the world and everywhere it goes it is adapted to the local musical styles.

Before the widespread use of synthetic materials, violins used strings made of a fibrous material called ''catgut''. Catgut is derived from the intestines of sheep - not cats, as implied by the name. In modern times, most violinists prefer metal strings, typically a nickel core wrapped with an alloy to prevent corrosion and to achieve a desired tension; it's also not uncommon for a violinist to use a gold-plated or gold-cored E-string to provide a richer tone in the highest registers of the instrument. A small group of violinists, particularly those involved with recreating and reviving traditional [[Baroque]] sounds, will opt to play with the older catgut strings.

Before the widespread use of synthetic materials, violins used strings made of a fibrous material called ''catgut''. Catgut is derived from the intestines of sheep - not cats, as implied by the name. In modern times, most violinists prefer metal strings, typically a nickel core wrapped with an alloy to prevent corrosion and to achieve a desired tension; it's also not uncommon for a violinist to use a gold-plated or gold-cored E-string to provide a richer tone in the highest registers of the instrument. A small group of violinists, particularly those involved with recreating and reviving traditional [[Baroque]] sounds, will opt to play with the older catgut strings.  While it is regarded as the smallest of the string family, there are even smaller versions intended for instruction for children.

==Notable works for violin==

==Notable works for violin==

* [[Bach]] - Violin Concerto in A minor; Concerto for 2 violins in D minor; Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin

* [[Bach]] - Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041; Concerto in E major, BWV 1042; Concerto in D minor (2 violins), BWV 1043; 6 Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin

* [[Beethoven]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61; Romances for violin and orchestra

* [[Brahms]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 77

* Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

* [[Beethoven]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61; Romances for violin and orchestra; 10 sonatas for violin and piano

* [[Mozart]] - Violin Concertos; in Bb, in D, in G and in A

* [[Brahms]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 77; 3 sonatas for violin and piano

* Stravinsky - Violin Concerto in D

* [[Bruch]] - Concerto No. 1; Concerto No. 2; Concerto No. 3

* [[Mendelssohn]] - Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64

* [[Mozart]] - Violin Concertos 1-5; 14 sonatas for violin and piano

* [[Prokofiev]] - Concerto No. 1; Concerto No. 2; 2 sonatas for violin and piano

* [[Stravinsky]] - Violin Concerto in D

* Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35

* Tchaikovsky - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35