Hyderabad: The violin is a four-stringed wooden musical instrument that is played by sweeping a bow over its strings while held against the neck. The violin is a wonderful amalgam of physics, chemistry, science, and mathematics. It also promotes fine motor skills, muscle activation, and muscle memory. On December 13, we honour the violin, which is cherished all across the world, and acknowledge its cultural contributions and effect.
The violin is undoubtedly one of the most versatile instruments available, allowing for both extremely delicate and passionate music. On Violin Day, we honour violinists and invite them to listen to violin-based music.
History of Violin- The earliest fiddlers in history are thought to have been horsemen from Inner Asia, specifically Turkic and Mongolian tribes. They performed on upright violins with two strings that were strung with horsehair. They also played with horsehair bows, and the ends of their necks were frequently adorned with a carved image of a horse. The nomads left behind the violins, violas, and cellos that we play today, all of which still have horsehair bows. Similar to modern violins, Andrea Amati is credited with creating the first known four-string violin in 1555.
When the "Lady Blunt" was put up for sale on June 20, 2011, it brought in a record sum of money. The violin made by Stradivari sells for $15.9 million. More than any other craftsman, Stradivari violins are sought for by collectors and musicians alike.
The Latin word "Vitula", which meant "stringed instrument" in medieval times, is where the name "violin" originates. The tiniest and highest-pitched instrument in the string family is the violin. It is similar to the North African instrument known as the rebab, which is a three-stringed instrument that is also played with a bow dragged across the strings. Singing and dancing have long been accompanied by violins.
In addition, it is an important solo instrument in classical music and takes centre stage in orchestras. When playing, the violin is held beneath the chin, and depending on whether a string is plucked or bent, the fingers of the left-hand press against the strings on the instrument's neck to produce different pitches. In contrast, the bow is held in the right hand while it is pulled at an angle across the strings to produce sound.
Significance- The violin is considered one of the most significant musical instruments in history, perhaps because of its vital function in an orchestra or the inspiration and feeling it evokes in the listener when they hear its intensely romantic sound. Playing the violin yourself is one of the greatest ways to celebrate Violin Day. If you are not proficient in playing the violin, you can utilise this day to fulfil a lifelong dream by teaching others about the day and enjoying and sharing some violin music with others.
The God of the Indian Violin- The most well-known violinist in India, Dr. L. Subramaniam, gave a concert at UCLA's Fowler Museum. Dr. L Subramaniam is a master musician with training in both Western and Carnatic classical music traditions. Since the beginning of his career, every composition he has made has been a work of art unto itself.
He is not a typical violinist; instead, he revolutionised the instrument by developing novel methods and approaches. The Indian government awarded him the Padma Shri award in 1998, and in 2021 he received the Padma Bhushan award.
His critically acclaimed album "Global Fusion" features musicians from five continents, including Dr. L Subramaniam's daughter Bindu Subramaniam and one of the most well-known and successful singers in the film industry, Kavita Krishnamurti, whom he married in November 1999.
The concerts by this living legend are amazing landmarks that genuinely inspire the crowd. His orchestral work Fantasy on Vedic Chants and the album Conversations have become landmarks and are a source of reference and direction for any composer experimenting with the idea of fusion. It is almost unbelievable that such skill and expressive playing are possible at all.
The best Indian violinists of all time:
Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan- Indian classical violinist Kunnakudi Vidyanathan was also a music composer. He was born on March 2, 1935, and died on September 8, 2008. Sir Krishnan was awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1974. In 2006, the Academy also awarded him the Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship. In addition, he received two honours: a Padma Bhushan in 1992 and a Padma Shri in 1973.
Abhijith P.S. Nair- Indian-born Abhijith Nair is an arranger, composer, and violinist. He was born in the Kerela city of Vaikom on October 18, 1991. Abhijith's instrumental video productions are highly renowned. He has participated in numerous flash mobs and music events both in India and abroad.
Ambi Subramaniam- Ambi Subramaniam is an Indian musician, educator, and composer on the violin. He was born in the United States in Los Angeles, California, on August 5, 1991. Ambi's life was filled with accolades. His honours include one BiMA, two Global Indian Music Awards (games), the Ritz Icon of the Year Award, and the Rotary Youth Award. He was the Philomena Thumbochetty Award winner three times. At the age of 18, Sri Jayendra Saraswati also gave him a golden violin.
Arrol Corelli- S.Arul Murugan is an Indian composer of music, and Arrol Corelli is his stage name. He was born on October 3, 1985. He made his professional debut in 2014 as an Indian music composer. The director of the film Pisaasu gave him his first job. He was hired by director Mysskin to compose the soundtrack for Pisaasu. Arul composed the soundtrack for the movie Pisaasu and performed on the violin in "Nathi Pogum koozhangal payasam," one of the song's themes.
Avaneeswaram S R Vinu- Indian Carnatic violinist Avaneeswaram S.R. Vinu works as a professional full-time musician. He was born on June 10, 1973. All India Radio rates him as an "A" grade artist. In addition, he has a stellar reputation as a soloist and accompanist. Using Raga Bhaava to enhance his melodious tunes, he was able to win over the hearts of his audience. His methods are distinct and one-of-a-kind because of his effortless transition between vocal and instrumental styles.
Balabhaskar Chandran- Balabhaskar Chandran was an Indian musician. He produced records, wrote music, and played the violin. Balabhaskar, who was born on July 10, 1978, sadly passed away on October 2, 2018. His first musical composition appeared in the Malayalam film Mangalya Pallak. In the Malayalam music industry, he became the youngest music director . In 2008, the Kendra Sangeet Natak Academy awarded Balabhaskar the Bismillah Khan Yuva Sangeeth Puraskar for his violin instrumental compositions.
