Editing Violin (section)

===Classical music===
[[File:Telemann - 2violin Sonata 1-1.ogg|thumb|right|A [[sonata]] for two violins by the [[Baroque music|Baroque]] composer [[Georg Philipp Telemann|Telemann]]. A relatively typical baroque violin composition, it would probably have been performed with less use of [[vibrato]] originally.]]

[[File:Meditation from Thais - Bomsori Kim.opus|thumb|right|The ''[[Méditation (Thaïs)|Meditation]]'' from Massenet's opera ''Thais''. The very [[legato]] style of playing, with lavish use of [[portamento]], [[rubato]] and [[vibrato]] and the higher registers of the instrument is typical of violin playing in the late [[Romantic music|Romantic]] period.]]

Since the [[Baroque music|Baroque]] era, the violin has been one of the most important of all instruments in [[European classical music|classical music]], for several reasons. The tone of the violin stands out above other instruments, making it appropriate for playing a melody line. In the hands of a good player, the violin is extremely agile, and can execute rapid and difficult sequences of notes.

Violins make up a large part of an [[orchestra]], and are usually divided into two sections, known as the first and second violins. Composers often assign the melody to the first violins, typically a more difficult part using higher positions. In contrast, second violins play harmony, accompaniment patterns or the melody an octave lower than the first violins. A [[string quartet]] similarly has parts for first and second violins, as well as a [[viola]] part, and a bass instrument, such as the [[cello]] or, rarely, the [[double bass]].