The Second Violin section usually sits next to its colleagues the First Violins, although some composers ask for them to be sat opposite the Firsts to produce an antiphonal, or alternating, effect in the music. Typically the Second Violins will play the harmony lines in the music, while the First Violins play the melodies.

• A violin’s strings are tuned to the notes G, D, A and E • Violin strings were once made out of “catgut”, although it was actually the gut of a sheep. Today, strings are usually steel • One of the most celebrated violinists of all time, Nicolo Paganini (died 1840), had such an astonishing technique for his time that it was rumoured that he sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for his talent • Playing the violin burns 170 calories an hour