French Violins and Bows. German violins, English Violins



		Jules Merciolle 1930 France, 357mm, body stop 193mm
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About Violins

The word violin comes from the Medieval Latin word vitula, meaning stringed instrument; this word is also believed to be the source of the Germanic "fiddle". The violin, while it has ancient origins, acquired most of its modern characteristics in 16th-century Italy, with some further modifications occurring in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Belgian Violinist Eugène Ysaÿe

Ysaÿe’s playing was known for its virtuosity, expressiveness, and intensive use of vibrato. He inspired works by César Franck (who influenced his early style), Camille Saint-Saëns, Vincent d’Indy, and Gabriel Fauré. Although Ysaÿe was a great interpreter of late Romantic and early modern composers — Max Bruch, Camille Saint-Saëns, and César Franck, who said he was their greatest interpreter.

His technique was brilliant and finely honed, and in this respect he is the first modern violinist, whose technique was without the shortcomings of some earlier artists.

Click here to hear Malinconia from Ysaÿe's 2nd sonata played beautifully by Frank Peter Zimmerman and for some more information about Ysaÿe.

The Modern Violin

A violin generally consists of a spruce top (the soundboard, also known as the top plate, table, or belly), maple ribs and back, two endblocks, a neck, a bridge, a soundpost and four strings. It mainly differs from Italian instruments of the 17/18th Century in having a longer neck. See here for more information.

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