There are many unconventional ways to hold a fiddle.  Keep in mind, however, that there are really good reasons that most people don't do that.  First, holding a fiddle the way this gentleman does, could cause neck problems.  Also, note that all of his bow strokes are done in the center of the bow and that his strokes are very short.  Holding the fiddle in this way, would limit the length of the bow stroke and certainly not be conducive to one that produces optimal sound. That being said, there are some people that hold the bow and the fiddle in very unconventional ways, yet play very well. 

farmboy said
Many thanks Uzi. Yes, Benni posture is not the optimal one. But since he played so well, it means it does a little difference in the long term.

Anyway, in the short term and in speed of learning, a comfy posture must make a difference. Is there any way you are aware of - e.g. using some kind of support - to keep the violin just a bit lower than your chin, so that you can sing and play at the same time, but stil not so low that it becomes difficult to finger with the left hand and fully bow with the right one? I am just a beginner, but I think such a position would be really advantageous.  I suspect the standard position was developed just for aesthetic reasons and is only sub-optimal. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong. All critics gladly accepted.  

@farm boy, the conventional way of holding the instrument is conventional because the greatest violinists held them this way and they later taught their students to hold them that way.  As hard as it may be to believe, musical instrument related injuries are not at all rare. The violin and especially the viola are some of the most common instruments responsible for player injuries that may require medical treatment. Because of the way that these instruments are played, neck and shoulder injuries are very common.  Some of these injuries can be career ending. Properly holding and bowing the instrument are the best ways to avoid these injuries.  

One of the best ways to avoid injuring your neck is to have properly fitted and adjusted shoulder and chin rests.  Everyone is constructed differently, so it is important to understand that the generic shoulder rest and chin rest that come with a violin are very unlikely to allow you to comfortably hold the instrument in a way that avoids putting stress on your neck and jaw when holding the instrument and allows free arm movement of the bowing arm. If you find the conventional way of holding the violin uncomfortable, those two items (or they way they are adjusted) are most likely the reason. 

Experimentation with different combinations of shoulder and chin rests with the help of a qualified professional is the best way to go.  However, since that is not always possible, getting a shoulder rest with a wide range of adjustability, such as the Bon Musica shoulder rest will give you a better chance of finding a solution that will allow you to hold your instrument properly and effortlessly.  If you find that you are having to use significant downward pressure with your jaw, or that your head is forced to be  tilted forward to hold the instrument, then this is definitely a problem that could lead to pain and/or injury. 

I hope this helps.