fiolin

Fiolin is the term used in several languages for the violin, a bowed string instrument held under the chin and played with a bow. It is the highest-pitched member of the violin family, which also includes the viola, cello, and double bass. The fiolin is central to many musical styles, from classical to folk and contemporary music.

Construction and tuning: Modern fiolins have a carved spruce top, maple back and ribs, ebony fingerboard, and a curved body. They typically have four strings tuned in fifths to G3, D4, A4, and E5. The instrument is played with a bow or pizzicato; a chin rest aids support.

History: The violin emerged in 16th-century northern Italy. Prominent makers in Cremona, such as Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri, shaped its form and tone. It became a leading instrument in European classical music and later spread to many genres worldwide.

Playing and repertoire: Techniques include bowing, vibrato, spiccato, and pizzicato. The fiolin appears in solo works, concertos, orchestral parts, and chamber music, as well as in folk and popular genres.

Maintenance: Regular rosin, string changes, and controlled humidity (about 40–60%). Clean the exterior, keep the pegs firm, and store in a case. Repairs by a luthier may be needed for setup and intonation.