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The '''violin''' is the highest pitched [[String Instruments]] used in [[western orchestra]].  Composers often give it the melody in [[classical]] works.  It has four strings and is tuned from high to low: e a d g.  Sometimes alternative tunings are used, especially in traditional music.

The '''violin''' is the highest pitched [[String Instruments]] used in [[western orchestra]].  Composers often give it the melody in [[classical]] works.  It has four strings and is tuned from high to low: E A D G.  Sometimes alternative tunings are used, especially in traditional music.

The instrument developed in the mid 1500s, in what is now called Italy.  The most famous makers of violins include G.P. Maggini (1580-1632), the Amati family of Cremona, the Guarnari family of Venice, Antonio Stradivari, and Jacob Stainer of the Austrian Tyrol. Almost all new violins are made to follow the patterns of these old masters, although some adaptations have been made to support the metal strings and higher pitches of modern performance.

The instrument developed in the mid 1500s, in what is now called Italy.  The most famous makers of violins include G.P. Maggini (1580-1632), the Amati family of Cremona, the Guarnari family of Venice, Antonio Stradivari, and Jacob Stainer of the Austrian Tyrol. Almost all new violins are made to follow the patterns of these old masters, although some adaptations have been made to support the metal strings and higher pitches of modern performance.

Famous violinists incude Nicolo Paganini, Jascha Heifetz, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, Joshua Bell, and Nigel Kennedy.

Famous violinists incude Nicolo Paganini, Jascha Heifetz, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, Joshua Bell, and Nigel Kennedy.