The Violin is the highest-pitched member of the stringed instrument family which includes the violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
The violin's range is equivalent to the soprano voice of a choir. It has a fretless fingerboard, four strings, and a distinctively shaped wooden body whose "waist" permits freedom of bowing.
The violin evolved in Italy in the 16th century from the medieval fiddle and other instruments.
With its brilliance, agility, and singing tone, the violin has been immensely important in Western art music, and it has the largest and most distinguished repertoire of any stringed instrument.
