Classical violin music has one of the most important roles in orchestral arrangements since the 17th century. Violin music is one of the most versatile and appealing musical sounds that exists in the world of classical music; because violin music stands out so well over the sounds of other instruments, it is most often used to carry the melody of a composition. The violin, with its tonal range and the ability to carry a high pitch and vibrato, has often been compared with the human voice and is known for its ability, with all of its nuance, to convey human emotion. Violin music has been wildly popular since the appearance of the instrument, and is even used today as part of modern rock and pop compositions. In the hands of a master, an astonishing degree of versatility and virtuosity becomes possible. Bogdan Djukic, truly a master of the violin, brings his electrifying energy and talent to classical music through his intimate knowledge and skill with the violin. Hear the artist himself playing the works of master composers on his classical music recordings – you are sure to be moved by the expressiveness of his sound.

When was the violin invented, and when was violin music first integrated into the orchestra? The violin in its familiar form first came into being sometime around 1520, in the northern part of Italy. The design probably evolved from stringed instruments found in Central Asia. There is no way to know who the first person was to create a violin. The 4-string version that we still know today was in use by the 1540′s, and there is no doubt that the instrument was perfected by Andrea Amati. Violin music was popularized during the Baroque Era of music, beginning in the 1600′s.

How many classical violin music players are there in an orchestra? This depends on the size of the orchestra. Some smaller orchestras may only have 3 first and 3 second violins, whereas some larger ensembles have many more (The Chicago Symphony, for example, at one point had 40 violins altogether).

What genres does violin music work well for? Violin works well for almost any type of music, and is frequently integrated into many musical arrangements. European folk music, such as Gypsy music, traditionally incorporates the violin, and we all know the American Country Western sound of the “fiddle.”

Where can I learn to play classical violin? This is a harder question; it depends on what you need. For children, you may find a listing of local teachers through your nearby stringed instrument store; violin music is also taught by masters, for a price, and you may find skilled teachers through the music department of a university.