Changes

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, Joseph Joachim, Jascha Heifetz, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, Joshua Bell, and Nigel Kennedy.

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

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.