How To Play Fiddle

“There’s many a good tune played on an old fiddle.” Robert Browning (1812-1889) – Red Cotton Night-Cap Country, 1873

“Had I learned to fiddle, I should have done nothing else.” Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

“God hath given some men wisdom and understanding, and to others the art of playing the fiddle.” Robert Southey (1774 – 1843) – The Doctor, 1812

“He was a fiddler, and consequently a rogue.” Jonathon Swift (1667-1745) – Letter to Stella, July 25, 1711

“We consider that the man who can fiddle all through on one of those Virginia reels without losing his grip, may be depended on in any kind of emergency.” Mark Twain (1835-1910) – Letter to Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, January 1863

Q: What’s the difference between the violin and fiddle? A: It’s fun to play the fiddle. Fiddle Joke, author unknown.

As the above quotes amply demonstrate, the fiddle and its magic sound has inspired countless and varied musings through the ages-from both the famous and the forgotten. Perhaps more than any other instrument, the fiddle excites the emotions, sets the feet in motion, and calls forth unforgettable images of good people and good times.