Memory Alpha
Register
Advertisement
Memory Alpha
Sherlock Holmes' violin

Sherlock Holmes' violin

"In the hands of some, the violin is a wondrous thing, equally capable of stirring the soul to the heights of bliss as to the depths of despair."
– Geordi La Forge, 2365 ("Elementary, Dear Data")

The violin was an Earth musical instrument used in many styles of compositions, but was most commonly associated with European classical music.

When discussing Tribbles, Spock noted to Dr. McCoy that while they were "nice, soft, and furry and they make a pleasant sound", a violin covered in ermine would be the same, and he would "see no advantage in having one." (TOS: "The Trouble with Tribbles")

Replicators aboard the USS Enterprise-D were programmed to manufacture musical instruments, like violins. Data was an accomplished violinist capable of reproducing or blending many styles of performance. Recitals in Ten Forward were commonplace, and Data performed with many musicians, including Dr. Juliana Tainer and Lieutenant Jenna D'Sora. (TNG: "In Theory", "Inheritance")

During a date with Christy Henshaw, Geordi La Forge called up a gypsy violinist to play for her. (TNG: "Booby Trap")

During their Sherlock Holmes holoprogram, Data told La Forge about Holmes' famous violin, bought for fifty-five shillings in Tottenham Court Road. He then played the instrument. (TNG: "Elementary, Dear Data")

Two violins, a viola, and a cello formed a string quartet. (TNG: "The Ensigns of Command")

When Sarek and Perrin visited the Enterprise in 2366, Data played a string piece by Mozart in a concert. (TNG: "Sarek")

When affected by an alien probe, Barclay taught violin technique in the Enterprise music school, much to the surprise of Riker and Crusher. (TNG: "The Nth Degree")

Commander Riker once stated that the Enterprise was "not a violin" when the crew tried to stimulate the vibration of a cosmic string in order to break free from the influence of two-dimensional beings. (TNG: "The Loss")

Data kept a violin in his quarters aboard the Enterprise-D, placed in a shelf. (TNG: "Timescape", "Descent")

Data told Artim that he played the violin and chess when asked if machines played. (Star Trek: Insurrection)

Ensign Brad Boimler of the USS Cerritos was skilled violinist who played an electric violin. He dedicated several compositions, such as "Essence" and "Requiem for a Hug", to his mother. Unfortunately, his violin was destroyed when Lieutenant Shaxs believed was the source of the loud noise. Boimler later obtained another violin, which was transformed into a D'Arsay artifact by Minooki in 2381. (LD: "Temporal Edict", "Room for Growth")

The story wherein Holmes bought the violin was called "The Adventure of the Cardboard Box".

External links[]

Advertisement