5 Tips for Listening to Great Violin Music is a post from: Mark's Remarks

The violin, also known as the “Queen of Instruments,” is arguably the closest instrument to the human voice.  It’s no wonder that it seems to evoke almost every emotion from extreme delight to depths of sadness.

The violin “family” consists of the violin, viola, cello and string bass (pronounced base).  There have been many variations on these instruments through the centuries.  Some say that the violin’s roots are in Europe, but others stand firm in their belief that this bowed instrument originated in Asia, namely China and Mongolia.

Everyone has a violin story.  Whenever I’ve played at a wedding, party or social event, I invariably get an instrument enthusiast prodding we with questions, then sharing their own stories such as: “My grandfather was buried with his fiddle,” or “My father used to play us to sleep when we were kids,” or the classic “I played for a few years in middle school and haven’t touched it since.”  I certainly enjoy these interactions as a wonderful spiritual connection between our human condition and the music we produce.

Here are five tips in truly enjoying great violin music:

1. Listen to recordings several times so you hear the many nuances this incredible instrument has to offer.  Just absorb the music without analyzing at first.
2. Listen to players playing different instruments so you can begin to hear the subtle differences between the violins.
3. Become familiar with composers you appreciate and listen broadly and deeply to their compositions; sometimes the CD you’ve purchased by accident may become your favorite!
4. GO TO VIOLIN CONCERTS and enjoy a sumptuous meal afterwards.  You will feel as though you’ve eaten twice.
5. Nothing will EVER replace live music and the energy and dynamic it offers.  So share your experience with a friend.

Remember, all of our experience is rooted in vibration and through the violin, we are experiencing one of the finest the universe has to offer.

Here’s a wonderful musical surprise for you…