Since the
range of the
violin is quite large, and its range works so well for a wide range of
melodies, many
song writers
write two or more
parts for the
violin in their
music. There are few
orchestral pieces not written for at least two
violin sections.
Considering that, almost every
orchestra splits their
violinists up among a
first violin section and a
second violin section. The
second violin section typically
plays
music in lower
octaves, and is often
harmonizing the
first violin's music. The
second violin section is usually considered the
backup or
supporting role among the two.