The String Family

The Violin The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments. The violin is sometimes informally called a fiddle, regardless of the type of music played on it. The parts of a violin are usually made from different types of wood and it is usually strung with gut, nylon or other synthetic, or steel strings. Someone who plays the violin is called a violinist or a fiddler. The violinist produces sound by drawing a bow across one or more strings (which may be stopped by the fingers of the other hand to produce a full range of pitches), by plucking the strings (with either hand), or by a variety of other techniques. (Wikipedia)

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Violin You Tube Links Itzhak Perlman talks ABOUT playing Tchaikovsky Violin Cocerto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7VD43tJRcM   Itzhak Perlman playing Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at Hollywood Bowl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z83aiQz8RrU Stephan Grapelli and Iwao Furasawa playing Tiger Rag http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2KA13YBWzI Fuse- I love Rock and Roll http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jm048XJohU Fiddle tunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzP_kIXsuvA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZslpyYpdMeg

Viola The viola is a bowed string instrument. It is slightly larger than a violin in size and has a deeper sound. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the violoncello (cello) The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin but it is larger and is strung with heavier strings. The viola's four strings are normally tuned in fifths: A person who plays the viola is known as a violist. Violists read music in an unusual clef called the alto clef. (Wikipedia)

Viola You Tube Links Viola Handel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOmeRJWlk5o   My favorite Things jazz version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpQPi7c_YEM

Cello The cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin and viola. The cello is used as a solo instrument, as well as in chamber music ensembles, string orchestras, and as a member of the string section of symphony orchestras. It is the second-largest bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra, the double bass being the largest. A person who plays the cello is called a cellist. (Wikipedia)

Cello You Tube Links Bach Cello Suite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZn_VBgkPNY   Yo Yo Ma Chris Botti Movie music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZWRp4UqyRo Sesame Street with Yo Yo Ma http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRixaQ4hpEI

The String Bass The double bass, also called the string bass, upright bass, bass fiddle, bass violin, doghouse bass, contrabass, bass viol, stand-up bass or bull fiddle, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument of the violin family in the modern symphony orchestra. In addition, it is used in other genres such as jazz, 1950s-style blues and rock and roll, rockabilly/psychobilly, traditional country music, bluegrass, tango and many types of folk music. A person who plays the double bass is usually referred to as a bassist. Like many other string instruments, the double bass is played either with a bow (arco) or by plucking the strings (pizzicato). The double bass is a transposing instrument and sounds one octave lower than notated. (Wikipedia)

You Tube Links for String Bass Gary Karr: Theme from Schindlers list http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWkpC7jmADI   Esperanza Spalding: It’s a Wonderful World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgnDE_5Wxiw Esperanza Spalding with Bobby McFarin; (Awesome!!!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlnycWjcbFU

The Harp The harp is an ancient instrument which can be found in many cultures. The harp is played by plucking the strings with fingers of both hands. The strings are different colors so that they player can tell them apart The harp has pedals, but unlike the piano they are used to raise and lower the pitch of the strings.

You Tube Links for the Harp This is an hour long but it is an interesting tv show about all things “harp”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ImURf8KUE Pacabels Canon on harps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIeP0iR1BGo Claire De Lune by Debussy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl64LXryFS8 Deborah Henson Conant and Benny Green http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twrFdxRcQYo