Yep – I played second fiddle, or more specifically, second violin. One time I even held the first chair. Now, that doesn’t mean I picked up the chair and held on to it. No. It means I “tried out” for the position of sitting in the first chair of the second violin section. I have no idea how I beat the guy who was vying for the same chair, but nonetheless, I did.
Now, let me tell you that just because you play “second violin” (or second fiddle) doesn’t mean you have a lesser position. It means that you complement the first violins as well as the other strings and instruments in the orchestra. The first violins normally play the melody – kind of like sopranos in the choir. The second violins normally play harmony and add accompanying rhythm – kind of like altos in the choir. Violas are tuned lower and have a deeper, mellower sound – kind of like tenors. The strings wouldn’t be complete without the cello that offers those rich resonating tones that have the ability to soothe the soul – kind of like the bass section of the choir. The double basses add the lower notes that define the chord and set the foundational rhythm.
I remember thinking my part was of lesser importance until one day, I realized that the others could not complete their role without the other sections. Solos are fine and have their place,
but a transformation takes place when the tones and rhythms bring harmony and balance to create the masterpiece. And so is life. It takes all parts to bring completion. The ones taking the lead cannot fulfill the finished composition without those who offer their supporting, and often lesser noticed, roles.
So, just in case you’re wondering — sure, I can play now but it sounds more like a cat with its tail caught under the rockers of a chair. There is definitely no harmony in that!
