18 November 2014

Fiddling Around



You may remember a post back in September when I told you about Jim's latest project - a violin.  Here's a link if you didn't see that post . . .

Luthier post

He's progressing nicely despite, according to him, being challenged by the scrollwork on the neck.




The violin is the highest-pitched instrument of the violin family in an orchestra.  The other two are viola and cello.  I'm not sure if he's going to make a viola or cello next :)




The violin was first known in Italy in the 16th century, but similar instruments date even earlier.  You've certainly heard of a Stradivari, but both Amati and Guarneri violins are also prized.  




It's not known who made the first violin, but it likely originated in northern Italy, the area near Milan.  A painting called "Madonna of the Orange Trees" by Guadenzio Ferrari is the first record of a violin.



This is it.




We got to see a real Stradivari violin when we visited Florence almost exactly 3 years ago.




Here's the photo I took that day.  We were in the Accademia Gallery museum which is also home to Michelangelo's David.




I think these "f" holes (or sound holes) have also been a challenge.




They look perfect!  

On our first visit to Venice, we went to a fantastic concert of stringed instruments.  




Here is a video of the same musicians we saw - Interpreti Veneziani - playing part of Vivaldi's Four Seasons.  

Until next time . . .


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