The String Bass – The Bowed Giant

When it comes to orchestrated concerts people generally think of the violin. The violin is only a small piece of the concert hall when compared to its large, low toned cousin, the bass. The bass, also known as the double bass, is the largest bowed string instrument and it is also the lowest toned of all of the stringed instruments. The bass has several other names which include the contrabass, string bass, upright bass, as well as the bull fiddle.

The bass is generally played at about one octave lower than the cello and because of its low tone, the bass is an excellent instrument for backing up the violin, viola, and cello because it supplies the weight, power and rhythmic foundation for all of the bowed stringed instruments.

The gentle giant’s standard size is about 140 cm, three-quarter size is about 115 cm. As with other bowed instruments, the bass has four strings and they are tuned at E’, A’, D, and G. Although the main strings stay the same, there are several variations of the bass which include its predecessor the violone, the popular bass guitar, and of course the double bass as we know it. The bass guitar, the bass’ electrified cousin, is known to occasionally have additional strings such as a low B and a high C. The original bass, or violone, was introduced in Europe in the 15th century and is the only instrument still considered a descendant of the viola da gamba family of string bowed instruments.

The Concertmaster

While the conductor may hold the baton, the concertmaster is largely in charge of the entire orchestra. A concertmaster (or concert mistress) holds a large amount of importance within an orchestra, but this musical position often goes unnoticed. Interestingly, a concertmaster will often approach the stage and take a bow before the conductor enters the stage area, but most people within the audience tend to disregard this traditional practice.

Specifically, a concertmaster holds the title of first chair within the violin section, but this special person does a lot more than make it all look very easy. Prior to any concert, it is up to the concertmaster to tune the entire string section of an orchestra, which can sometimes be a difficult feat. It is also the responsibility of the concertmaster to play any portion of music that requires a solo violin (unless it is a concerto). Additionally, the concertmaster is the one person that makes important decisions in regards to the entire string section, and is an integral part of any orchestra practice period as well.

It can be safely stated that the concertmaster is the most accomplished musician within the entire orchestra. All those musicians underneath the concertmaster must listen to specific orders given by this person, and the concertmaster answers to no one with the exception of the conductor. Within the musical hierarchy of things, the concertmaster is second in command after the position of a conductor. While most people are unaware that an orchestra consists of many different jobs, all orchestras must have a concertmaster in order for any music to be heard.

The Golden Age of the Violin

The violin is well-known around the world for its ability to play seductive and fanciful tunes. The violin has two particular “golden-ages” to include the making of the violin to the sounds it played under the direction of famous composers such as Corelli and Vivaldi.

The golden age of violin making was brought about by such violin makers as Andrea Amati and Antonio Stradivari. During this period, 1700-1710, as many as 20,000 violins were produced. These violins were remarkable because attentive producers such as Stradivari used only the finest materials available and he made several modifications which include the overall swell of the top plate, the shape of the f-holes, as well as the modern shape of the bridge. Because the finest materials were used in the creation of these violins, they also needed to age, just like a fine wine. Some of the finest violins produced during this period were “broke-in” over a period of 5 to 50 years before they were used in public.

These modifications, as well as the breaking in period helped create fuller and richer sounds, as directed by composers such as Corelli and Vivaldi. Both composers created works, such as the concerto grossi and trio sonatas and these works were published across Europe. Because of the tremendous amount of violins and sheet music available during this period, the violin could be played in the homes of the average citizen as a pastime. Corelli himself had a distinguished method to playing the violin and rarely went above the D string. Because Corelli was able to use the finest violins from this golden age and with his ability to write works of art, he became well-known for his chamber music.

The Life of a Conductor

While playing the part of a musician is a truly fascinating way to spend your life, another job often overlooked within the musical world is that of a conductor. Music conductors often take center stage during a concert, but what is a conductor and where did they come from?

Interestingly, the job of a conductor first came into the spotlight during the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, a conductor would simply make hand gestures in order to introduce a certain “melodic shape” to an audience. Often, Christian churches would incorporate a conductor into each Sunday music program, but this type of conduct would hold a large wooden staff in order to conduct a Church musical group. As time marched on, the 17th century saw quite a few innovative ways of helping a musical group to keep musical time. Conductors during the 17th century would often use pieces of rolled paper, sticks, and even hand gestures in order to keep rhythmic time. In fact, a conductor by the name of Jean-Baptiste Lully died at the hand of a long metal conducting staff when he stabbed his own foot with the stick, and wound up dying of gangrene.

Today, a musical conductor uses a small baton in order to lead an orchestra. Although conducting looks like an easy task, keeping a certain beat and communicating with musicians is less than easy. Unlike many other jobs, there are no set rules within the world of conducting, and nearly every conductor has a different way of leading musicians. However, most conductors do have some musical training, and they must be able to understand tempo, dynamics, and articulation in order to have any sort of conducting success. While the life of a conduct seems glamorous, conductors work extremely hard in order to bring an audience the best musical sound possible.

The Musical Influence of Antonio Vivaldi

Antonio Vivaldi was born March 4, 1678 in Venice and eventually became a Venetian Priest as well as a baroque music composer. Vivaldi’s style of writing made him a success when he first published L’Estro Armonico, The Musical Inspiration. This composition used tight rhythmic compositions that included three fast-slow-fast movements with astounding solos.

Vivaldi may have received some of his musical influence from his father who was a barber turned violinist. Vivaldi’s father, Giovanni Batista, taught his son to play the violin at an early age. Giovanni also had his son accompany him on tours in Venice in which Vivaldi could take in the different sounds that other musicians had to offer.

It is believed that Vivaldi would have seen his greatest influence from Giovanni Legrenzi. Giovanni Legrenzi was the president of a trade union for musicians and composers, an organization that was started by Giovanni Batista. Not only was Giovanni Legrenzi the president of this organization, but he was also the maestro of St. Mark’s Basilica and an early Baroque composer. During this time, Vivaldi received some of his early composition lessons from the great composer Legrenzi.

Vivaldi didn’t just receive influence, he also gave it to children at the Devout Hospital of Mercy in Venice. During his on and off tenure, Vivaldi taught orphans how to play the violin in the hopes of providing these children with a trade before they reached fifteen years of age. Because of his recognition as a master of the violin and concert, he was later offered a position in the court of Prince Phillip of Hesse-Darmstadt, where he further honed his skills and abilities.

Why Do Instruments Appreciate in Value?

Musical instruments can increase in value for a number of different reasons. As with other commodities, supply and demand tends to dictate price. Scarcity drives the value of most collectible instruments. Stradivari and Guarneri didn't produce many instruments. Their limited number alone makes them valuable.

Such legendary instruments are also a status symbol. Possessing an "old master" work immediately places the owner in a unique social circle. These same instruments can have an intense international market, with collectors driving up prices in their frenzied pursuit of their prize. Even the mere perception the instrument's price will continue to rise in the future will greatly increase its value.

Instruments of famous musicians can also skyrocket. Having the instrument in their possession can allow the owner to feel closer to the famed personality, forging a connection to a personal idol or musical icon.

Even less famous instruments can still appreciate in value. To do so, they need to remain in excellent condition. Depending on the age of the instrument, it may be purchased strictly as an investment with no intention of ever using it. But being in proper operating condition and retaining the ability to be played is critical to the instrument's overall value.

People can invest in musical instruments the same way they purchase stocks and bonds. But unlike stocks, rare instruments can be insured to protect the investment. These instruments can still provide a potential windfall down the road, and the initial investment can often help support other musicians and the spread of musical culture.

Where To Look For A Quality Instrument

Buying an instrument can be a daunting task, especially for the novice musician. Reaching out to experts for advice can help you find a good quality instrument at a reasonable price.

Music teachers, instrument technicians, and repair professionals are excellent consultants as you begin your search for the perfect instrument. These people will have knowledge of the most reputable dealers in your area. They can recommend brands that have a reputation for quality and reliability. In addition, they may know of previous customers or former students who may be willing to sell their used instruments to you.

Other sources are local classified ads, online auctions and web-based dealers. However, it is a best practice to buy an instrument you can actually inspect in person. If you do choose to buy online, be prepared for the possibility that the instrument you buy may not necessarily be the quality that is described. Online dealers may have great deals, but you don't know the history or true condition of the instrument.

Once you have a prospective instrument in mind from a private seller or local dealer, ask a music educator, repair professional, or technician to look at the instrument before you make the final purchase. Using their expert knowledge, they can assess if the instrument is in good condition and if you are getting a good quality product for the money you are about to spend.

By utilizing the advice of experts you know and trust you will be more likely to find a reliable instrument at a great price.

Choosing the Right Musical Instrument

Once you've decided to embark on a musical path, choosing the right instrument can be a daunting task. There are countless options available amongst brass, woodwind, stringed, and percussion instruments. How can you tell which one is right for you?

Often, seeking the advice of an objective musician can help. They can share their experiences and attempt to guide you in the right direction. Learning from their mistakes can allow you to avoid similar pitfalls. The important thing is to select an instrument you're interested in and one that is tailored to your natural abilities.

For instance, if your fingers aren't exactly nimble, playing a woodwind could be difficult since they require sometimes complex fingering. Slow fingers and a large lung capacity could translate to success with brass instruments like the trombone or tuba. A natural sense of rhythm will make drums an ideal selection, particularly if you don't want to learn how to read music. The guitar and bass guitar also avoid traditional musical notes, relying on tabs instead. So your interest level in regards to learning music could go a long way to determining your instrument.

Of course, how and where you intend to play your instrument will also greatly influence the decision. If you intend to join the school's marching band, the piano really won't be an option. On the other hand, if you're dreaming of rock and roll glory, it may be wise to consider something other than the clarinet.

Carbon Fiber Instruments

When you think of a violin, you probably picture an elegant, sonorous instrument made from polished wood. But did you know that there are also fine violins made from carbon fiber? That may not sound very promising. After all, the violin is a complex stringed instrument, and every detail matters. How could anyone even hope to achieve a good sound using anything other than wood? Well, as it turns out, carbon fiber violins that sound great are a reality.

Luis and Clark is a company that creates violins, violas, cellos, and basses from carbon fiber. It all began when cello-player Luis Leguia became keenly interested in boating; he observed that the fiberglass boats were lighter and more durable than wooden boats. That gave him an idea: Would a carbon fiber cello perform just as good or better than a traditional cello? He decided to find out.

The very first carbon fiber cello didn't sound very good, although Leguia's wife was astonished when she first heard it. To her, it sounded just like a cello! The second one was a little better, and the third was almost perfect.

Leguia sought help from Steve Clark, a master in carbon fiber products who was also the chairman of Vanguard boats. Together they perfected the instrument, and the result was the Luis & Clark Cello.

Carbon fiber instruments have many advantages. First, they can take a lot more abuse. While traditional string instruments are extremely sensitive to humidity and moisture, you could leave a carbon fiber violin out in the rain and it would still be in fine shape. They are also much easier and cheaper to repair.

And the sound? Amazing clarity and wonderful tone. We may be see more of these instruments in the near future.

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

Violins and fiddles are really the same thing – or, are they? Often, many people tend to confuse the two terms (“violin” and “fiddle”), but trained musicians know that there is a subtle difference between the two. Although both instruments appear to look the same, one is not quite like the other.

To begin separating the instruments, one must first look to the etymology of both words. The word “violin” comes from the Italian language, and the word “fiddle” is derived from English. Immediately, the two are strikingly different, but this is not enough to keep them distinct in the grand scheme of things. So, let’s look to history instead. The fiddle should be seen as the violin’s distant ancestors, since the fiddle really came onto the musical scene far before the violin did. When it was first created, the fiddle contained four strings and it came in a number of different shapes. Later on, the fiddle was often cut at the bridge and played in a manner that a violin could not be played in, which marked the two instruments very different from one another. One last difference can be seen in the type of material that is used to make fiddle strings. Most fiddle strings are made from steel stings, which violins tend not to be made from. In fact, most classical musicians will not use steel strings, and it is very rare to see a violin strung with metal strings.

To recap, a fiddle has four metal stings, it is relatively flat at the bridge, and it is played in an entirely different manner. A violin usually has four strings as well, but the strings are made from natural materials, and a violin is much more curved than a fiddle. Of course, these distinctions are somewhat minuscule, why has prompted sayings such as: “When you are buying it, it’s a fiddle. When you are selling it, it’s a violin” over the centuries, but when it comes down to it, a violin is not a fiddle at all.

The Art of a Luthier

What is it about a violin that haunts, entices, and beckons all that dare look upon it? From the deep red color of a violin’s polished wood, to the fine craftsmanship that goes into making each violin special, this is one instrument that cannot be crafted with machinery and clumsy hands. One that spends their life devoted to the creating and repair of all things stringed, is called a “luthier,” and this is no ordinary profession.

A great luthier must be passionate about their craft, they must love all parts of a violin, and they must take careful care when piecing together this alluring instrument. Some of the finest violins in the world once came from Cremona, Italy, and from one shop in particular run by the Amati family. Other luthiers that broke onto the Italian scene during the 18th century included the Salo family and the Duiffopruggar family (although the Duiffopruggar’s were originally from Austria). In fact, at one point during the 18th century, only the best violins came from Italy, and all else were merely second rate.

Today, the craft is a somewhat small one, and many tradesmen simply do not choose to seek the path of a luthier. But those that have become luthiers throughout the very recent past include the famed Juan Cristobal Alonso, Otello Bignami, Ivor Darreg, Yuri Landman, Bradford Reed, Terry Borman, and a few others that simply cannot tear themselves away from an art form that is neither glorious nor well recognized, but still it is one that takes great pride and skill. If you would like to become a luthier, it will take many years of training, but some say that all luthiers know their true calling from the moment they lay eyes upon the heavenly stringed instrument that is the violin.

History of Brass

Since most scholars believe the term "brass" should be given to instruments based on how they produce their sound and not whether they're actually made of metal, the first brass instruments were crude animal horns cut at the small end. The shofar, a Hebrew musical instrument dating back to Biblical times, is the first brass in recorded history.

The ancient Greeks and Romans produced straight trumpets and curved horns made of wood, bronze, and silver. The earliest S-shaped trumpets came into existence between 1400-1413. The folded trumpet and slide trumpet soon followed. By 1450, the trombone entered the picture.

While the trumpet and trombone would be continually improved over the years, it wasn't until 1826 that the first valved brass instrument was developed. A German valve trumpet was brought to Paris and copied, gaining a wide acceptance. The cornet was developed a few years later in 1828, only furthering the brass revolution. In 1835, Berlin instrument makers Wilhelm Wieprecht and Johann Gottfried Moritz invented the first tuba, a five-valved instrument pitched in F. The tenor tuba and the euphonium came along shortly after, with the first modern orchestral trumpet entering the world in 1890.

The 19th Century also saw the publication of J.B. Arban's Complete Conservatory Method, which remains one of the most influential methods for playing brass instruments.

The 20th Century witnessed continued progress, with the jazz style of trumpet and trombone playing carrying brass bands into the forefront. Even today, brass remains a vibrant musical form.

The Careful Craft of Making a Violin

There is something hauntingly simplistic about the deep curves of a violin. From the silky strings that cross the violin’s body to the gracious curve of the violin’s back, these instruments have been associated with all things lustful and sinful for centuries. As you run your finger down the spine of a finely crafted violin, you may begin to wonder just how these majestic instruments are crafted.

To make a violin, one must be part of a long standing tradition. It is rare that a violin maker is new to the craft, and the most prestigious violin makers in the world have passed down secrets from generation to generation. While each artist has their own special trademark, violins essentially consist of a few basic materials. One of the main things that must be used while making a violin is wood. Most violins are made from spruce and maple, but there are violins in the world that have been crafted from other woods as well.

In order to allow a violin to “sing” to its fullest potential, the entire shape of the instrument should be taken into consideration. A violin’s sound comes from the type of wood that is used, the thickness of the instrument, and even the type of varnish that is used to coat the wood. Interestingly, both the varnish and the wood gain value (monetarily and acoustically) over time. Once the violin body is crafted, every part of the violin must be glued together, but the only type of glue that can be used is animal hide glue. Hide glue is water-based, which means that the violin can be easily taken apart if need be. A violin’s strings give the instrument life, and old strings were once made from sheep gut, but most modern violins use synthetic materials. Whether you buy a violin for music’s sake, or whether you purchase one as part of a growing investment portfolio, the violin is the one of the most beautiful instruments in the world, and any violin only gets more beautiful as time goes on.