It comprises violins, usually divided into "Firsts" and "Seconds", violas, violincellos, normally called cellos, and double basses. They're played by drawing a bow over four stretched strings pitched five tones apart. They can also be plucked - called pizzicato - or even, occasionally, strummed like a guitar.

The violin family is often supplemented by plucked instruments: harps are the most common, but guitars or mandolins may also be used.

The most shapely and beautiful of all musical instruments, today's violin is the result of centuries of evolution. Established as the staple of the orchestra by the mid-17th Century, it carries the melodic burden of must baroque, classical and romantic music. Its importance is due to its brilliance of tone and its potential for dazzling virtuoso display.

The alto member of the violin family, the viola is often called the Cinderella of the stringed instruments, not only because so little has been written for solo performances, but also for its elusive, mournful tone.

Some topics in this essay:
DOUBLE BASS, ORCHESTRA STRINGS, PERCUSSION Percussion, Adolphe Sax, Rameau FLUTE, BELLS Bells, African-based Western, Classical Spanish, Sea Underworld, ANGLAIS America, double bass, 18th century, brass instruments, 19th century, baroque transverse flute, cor anglais, bass line, baroque transverse, percussion instruments, transverse flute, baroque music, music double bass,