Fiddles

While the violin may be the "King" of the orchestra, there is no doubt that it too can be, and has been re-designed in any number of styles, some ancient forms pre-dating the modern Stradivarius style we all know today....

While the violin may be the "King" of the orchestra, there is no doubt that it too can be, and has been re-designed in any number of styles, some ancient forms pre-dating the modern Stradivarius style we all know today. Indeed, many renowned violinists will refer to the instrument lovingly as the "fiddle," including it with all the bowed instruments of that design.

It can be said however, that the underlying difference between the violin and the fiddle is that the fiddle (or fiddle music) is more suited to accompanying folk dances the world over, while the violin is more often relegated to formal use as a solo instrument or with ensembles large and small. 

Listed below are some examples of fiddles from around the world and from different periods in history, each offering up it's own unique mystique.