WIND INSTRUMENTS 



295 



to a key strikes four or more strings instead of one, 

 and hence produces a greater richness of tone. 



b. The viola is larger than the violin, has heavier and 



thicker strings, and is pitched to a lower key ; in 

 all other respects the two are similar. The vio- 

 loncello, because of the length and thickness of its 

 strings, is pitched a whole octave lower than the 

 violin ; otherwise it is similar. The unusual 

 length and thickness of the strings of the double 

 bass make it produce very low notes, so that it 

 is ordinarily looked upon 

 as the "bass voice" of 

 the orchestra. 



c. The harp has always been 



considered one of the 

 most pleasing and per- 

 fect of musical instru- 

 ments. Here the skilled 

 performer has absolutely 

 free scope for his genius, 

 because his fingers can 

 pluck the strings at will 

 and hence regulate the 

 overtones, and his feet 

 can regulate at will the 

 tension, and hence the 

 pitch of the strings. 

 Guitar and mandolin are 

 agreeable instruments 

 for amateurs, but contain 

 little to recommend them for general use. 

 272. Wind Instruments. In the so-called wind instruments, 

 sound is produced by vibrating columns of air inclosed in 



FIG. 187. A harp. 



