Did you know…

• The lyra is considered the forerunner of most of the stringed instruments developed in Europe. By the 12th century, fiddles were in general use throughout Europe and the term “fiddle” was fully established. During the Renaissance, the fiddle evolved into two distinct classes of instruments. The first were larger instruments, such as the cello, that were played while held between the legs and braced against the floor. The second category included early violins and was made up of instruments held in the arms or resting against the chin, neck, and shoulders.

Both types of fiddles were important in the development of Renaissance music. Eventually smaller fiddles became increasingly popular and came to dominate much of the music produced during the later Renaissance, evolving toward the modern violin. (source – Where Did The Fiddle Come From?)