The violin is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest and highest-pitched member of the family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello. Violinists particularly cherish violins made by the Stradivari, Guarneri and Amati families from the 16th to the 18th century in Cremona, Italy called the Stradivarius. A violin can also be called a fiddle. Itzhak Perlman, one of the most recognizable contemporary violinist of our time is known for his brilliant technique and interpretation. He has reached a superstar status.