second violin
Not the soloist
Second violin is the section of an orchestra that plays violin parts subordinate to the first violins, typically handling harmony, countermelody, or accompaniment rather than the main melodic line.
By extension, to play second violin means to take a supporting role or be overshadowed by someone more prominent: She was tired of playing second violin to her older sister.
Principal first violinist
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- stringsThin flexible lines
- philharmonicLarge orchestra organization
- chamberEnclosed room or cavity
quartet · musician · section · desk · stand · principal · tutti · octet
Simultaneous independent melodies
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- accompanimentSupplementary support element
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
- duetPiece for two
chord · polyphony · interval · arpeggio · fugue · inner voice · doubling · unison
Backup actor, ready nightly
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- supporting roleMinor character in production
- ancillaryProviding additional support
- subsidiaryOf lesser importance
lieutenant · deputy · assistant · adjunct · helper · background · overlooked · unsung
concertmaster
Principal first violinist
- symphonyExtended composition for orchestra
- stringsThin flexible lines
- philharmonicLarge orchestra organization
chamber · quartet · musician · section · desk · stand · principal · tutti · octet · sextet
counterpoint
Simultaneous independent melodies
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- accompanimentSupplementary support element
- melodyPleasing sequence of notes
duet · chord · polyphony · interval · arpeggio · fugue · inner voice · doubling · unison · tremolo
understudy
Backup actor, ready nightly
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- supporting roleMinor character in production
- ancillaryProviding additional support
subsidiary · lieutenant · deputy · assistant · adjunct · helper · background · overlooked · unsung
- classical musicBach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms
- stringsguitar, viola, cello, double bass, string section
- chamber orchestrastrings, violas, cellos, double basses, concertmaster
- String Quartetsviola, cello, string ensemble
- Piano Quintetspiano, viola, cello, string quartet, piano part
- ensemblesband, choir, orchestra, quartet, quintet
second violinfirst violin
Orchestra's leading string player
concertmaster · principal · solo violin · first chair · concert master
second violinfirst fiddle
Orchestra's lead violinist
leading role · lead · star · protagonist · headliner
second, violin, secondly, seconds, seconded, seconding, secondary, violins, violinist