Since the violin is unquestionably the most well-known bowed string instrument in the world, it is not at all unexpected to learn that it has a day all to itself. After all, without the violin, everything from bluegrass and jazz to Western and Indian classical music would be unthinkable today.
Given its enormous repertoire, it is perhaps the most adaptable instrument in the world, which is why the violin is given a separate holiday.
When is National Violin Day?
The 13th of December is designated as National Violin Day each year. The violin, sometimes referred to as the fiddle, is a wooden string instrument. They have four perfect fifth-tuned strings. The smallest and highest-pitched string instrument in the violin family is the violin. Cello and viola round up the group. A fiddler or violinist is someone who plays the violin. Musicians employ a variety of methods to create violin-based music. A bow is used to play the strings, producing the sound. Violinists have demonstrated the violin’s adaptability over the years in a variety of musical styles, including classical, folk, jazz, baroque, roll, rock, and soft rock. Consequently, the violin is a musical instrument with a variety of uses.
National Violin Day History
The violin itself appears to have developed from fiddle-like medieval instruments. By the 15th century, it had taken on its own distinctive shape, and by the 1660s, it was the most widely used virtuoso instrument in Europe. The majority of modern violins are reproductions of Stradivarius or Amati, the latter of whom was a violin maker in the 16th century.
The violin is still a vital component of contemporary western classical music, as well as being incorporated into a wide range of other genres and world music traditions. Today, there are many violinists and fiddle players all over the world, thus it is understandable why National Violin Day has become popular.
The Venetian Philharmonic Orchestra, among the most esteemed musical ensembles in the world, features the violin. Imagine how a modest instrument might grow to be such a significant component of contemporary classical music.
It’s time to enjoy the day dedicated to this little instrument now!
National Violin Day Activities
If you want to participate but aren’t sure how to start, these ideas may help you set the mood for National Violin Day:
Please bring the violin.
Then, for those who have already experienced violinists, playing the violin in remembrance of National Violin Day is a no-brainer. Bring your violin out of the case, tune it, rosin the bow, and get ready to enjoy some beautiful music to celebrate the day! People who are a bit out of practice might also want to get some earplugs for family members.
Attend a concert of violins
On National Violin Day, attending a performance where the violin would be played would be a terrific option for people who just want to enjoy the music of the violin without really playing it.
Uncertain about your location? Try one of these significant ensembles, which will undoubtedly include one or more outstanding violinists:
Symphony Orchestra of Boston
This orchestra performs in Symphony Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, and offers a Young People’s Concert Series so that the public may hear upcoming fresh talent.
Theresa Perlman
Perlman, unquestionably one of the most gifted violinists playing today, has almost reached superstar status with his instrument.
Trans-Siberian Ensemble
This is a rock band with classical music skills.
Send a Present to Your Favorite Violinist
Today might be the ideal time to give a violin to someone you know who is interested in studying the violin but does not currently own one. Or give a violinist in your circle something as a sign of support for them and their efforts to learn the instrument, even if it’s only some sheet music, rosin, or a simple card.
The viola, violoncello, and double bass are other members of the contemporary violin family, in addition to the violin. Therefore, it would also be a fantastic day for everyone who knows any cellists or violists to listen to them perform or to get them a present!
See a movie about the violin
Not quite prepared for a live performance but curious to learn more? I understand. Watching a movie about the instrument on National Violin Day is a terrific approach to pique a moderate curiosity. These films would be excellent starting points, whether they are works of fiction or documentaries:
Meryl Streep starred in the 1999 film Music of the Heart.
In this biographical play, Roberta Guaspari, a violin instructor in Harlem in the late 1980s, tells her own story.
Start learning the violin.
Today is the ideal day to begin violin lessons for anyone who has ever had the desire to study the instrument or who may already own one but haven’t utilized it. Start by reviewing the fundamentals, such as how to read music, and then begin practicing. Other necessary tools like a practice mute, additional set of strings, a metronome, and a comfortable shoulder rest shouldn’t be overlooked.
