Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a violin and a fiddle? It’s simple: No one cares if you spill beer on a fiddle. The term “fiddle” is used primarily in folk, country, rock and pop music, while the “violin” is spoken of in classical and orchestral use.
Fiddles, like violins, have four strings, but since many were home-made, they could come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Nowadays, the instruments are shaped the same. Fiddlers tend to prefer a flatter curve on the top of the bridge, but we’re talking in terms of millimeters here. The flatter bridge allows for faster string-crossings and easier chord playing. Classical violinists prefer a more rounded curve, to articulate each note. These are my Top 20 Violin / Fiddle songs... because if you're gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band.
1. The Devil Went Down to Georgia - The Charlie Daniels Band
Well, I bet you didn't know it but the Devil's a fiddler player too, and if you care to take a dare, he'll make a bet with you: a fiddle of gold against your soul, 'cause he thinks he's better that you!
2. Molinos de Viento - Mago de Oz
One word: Mohammed!
3. The Fiddler on the Roof - Editus
Here in our little village, every one is like a fiddler on the roof: trying to scratch out a pleasant tune without breaking his neck...
4. Storm - Vanessa Mae
Rock/Pop version of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons: Summer III. Presto.
5. La Danza del Fuego - Mago de Oz
El mejor día es en el que el alma tiene hambre y sed... no olvides lo aprendido, no dejes de comprender... rodeate de sabios y algo en ti se quedará...
6. Loreley - Blackmore's Night
Oh the stories we were told, quite a vision to behold... Mysteries of the seas in her eyes of gold...
7. Standing Outside the Fire - Garth Brooks
Life is not tried, it is merely survived... if you're standing outside the fire...
8. Hold On - Kansas
Hold on, baby, hold on... 'cause its closer than you think and you're starting in the brink...
9. It's a Livin' Thing - Electric Light Orchestra
What a terrible thing to lose...
10. Dust in the Wind - Kansas
And all your money won't another minute buy...
11. Come on Eileen
You in that dress.. my thoughts I confess... verge on dirty...
12. The South's Gonna Do it Again - Charlie Daniels Band
You can be loud and proud...
13. Ancient Forest of Elves - Luca Turilli
Old lands and red dragons filled his open eyes... Kings, Queen and proud warriors in his magic dreams...
14. Azul - Tango India
Borracho estoy en tu nombre, para variar...
15. The Hurricane - Bob Dylan
Put him in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been the Champion of the World...
16. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
Ahhh the lonely people, where do they all come from?
17. Baba O'Riley - The Who
I do not need to fight to prove I am right; I do not need to be forgiven... A teenage wasteland!
18. Cotton Eye Joe - Rednex
He brought disaster wherever he went; the hearts of the girls was to Hell, broken, sent
19. Victory - Bond
Inspired by the Barber of Seville's opening, written by Puccini.
20. Cherry Bomb - John Cougar Mellencamp
That was when a sport was a sport... and groovin' was groovin'... and dancing meant everything...
One more for the road...
So, if you're gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band... That lead guitar is hot but not for a Louisiana man... so rosen up that both faded love and let's all dance...
Fiddle in the Band - Alabama
