| − | ::The violin is the most important instrument of the orchestra. The leader of the first violins is called the leader of the orchestra and ranks next in importance to the conductor. | + | ::The violin is the most important instrument of the orchestra. The leader of the first violins is called the concert master (or concert mistress for a female) and ranks next in importance to the conductor; in fact, according to concert etiquette, both enter the concert stage at the same time before the orchestra plays, and are the first to shake hands after a piece during the applause. |