Although the violin is the smallest of the four stringed instruments in the symphonic orchestra, it has rightfully been crowned "the king of instruments", because it plays the most important parts in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and solo works.
Like the other members of its family, it is a four-stringed instrument with its strings tuned in fifths: g - d' - a' - e''.
In the past, strings were made of guts. Today, the top e'' string is made of steel, while the other three strings are overspun with silver or aluminum.
The most famous violin makers came from Italian families, and included such names as Stradivarius, Amati, and Guarneri (16th-18th centuries).
One of the most famous violin players was Niccolo Paganini, who so electrified the public with his playing that some were led to believe that he was assisted by the Devil himself.
