violin

The bow causes strings to vibrate. This topic is part of Musical Instruments within Music. This page currently draws on 32 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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violin trivia questions

A violin is usually played with what?

Answer: Bow

Bonus fact: The bow causes strings to vibrate.

A violin bow is drawn across what to make sound?

Answer: Strings

Bonus fact: Friction sets the strings vibrating.

Traditional violin-bow hair is commonly made from what?

Answer: Horsehair

Bonus fact: Horsehair grips the strings when coated with rosin.

What substance is rubbed on violin-bow hair to increase friction?

Answer: Rosin

Bonus fact: Rosin helps the bow grip and release the string.

Who sits closest to the conductor and leads the first violin section?

Answer: Concertmaster

Bonus fact: The concertmaster helps coordinate the string section.

About which years are known as Antonio Stradivari's 'Golden Period' for violin making?

Answer: 1700 to 1720

Bonus fact: The Met notes that Stradivari's flatter arching helped produce a more powerful tone.

Who composed Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64?

Answer: Felix Mendelssohn

Bonus fact: Carnegie Hall’s Data Lab ranks this work No. 16 in its historical list, with 281 recorded performances.

Who composed Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77?

Answer: Johannes Brahms

Bonus fact: Carnegie Hall’s Data Lab ranks this work No. 25 in its historical list, with 252 recorded performances.

How many strings does a violin have?

Answer: 4

Bonus fact: The violin's strings are normally tuned G, D, A, and E.

Which instrument is the smallest standard member of the violin family?

Answer: Violin

Bonus fact: The violin has the highest usual range in the family.

Which instrument is larger and lower-pitched than the violin but held under the chin?

Answer: Viola

Bonus fact: The viola is tuned a fifth below the violin.

Which violin-family instrument is normally played while resting on an endpin on the floor?

Answer: Cello

Bonus fact: The cello is held between the player's knees.

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