2 comments about The Violin-Makers of the Guarneri Family (1626-1762).

1. This is a wonderful book for those interested in learning about the history of the making of the violin. I myself am a violinist, and can appreciate everything there is to know about the violin. I highly recommend this book to anybody who loves the violin.



2. I would prefer to have my questions answered concerning this book. I have read this book thoroughly many times; what I wonder is what makes this book "collectible" and worth [price] rather than [price], as no description is given other than "paperback". Thank you.

No comments about Zakhar Bron - Henri Vieuxtemps Violin Concerto No. 4 In D Minor, Opus 31.

5 comments about A New History of Violin Playing: The Vibrato and Lambert Massart's Revolutionary Discovery.

1. For violin junkies, Silvela Zdenko's fascinating collection of
   memorabilia about the violin and those who have mastered it is an important addition to any music lover's library. Without the benefit of an editor (the book is"vanity press"), and though his first language is Spanish, the author, in quite comprehensible English, touches on a seemingly endless variety of aspects of the violin and its history, quite apart from his view of the development of the vibrato. Indeed, the book is a journey through the mind and collection of someone who plainly adores the violin and who, in pursuit of his devotion, has mined information which most readers will find both new and
   interesting.

   The book's format is unconventional. In one instance, it consists of a list of great violinists. Elsewhere, he reproduces letters and other primary sources which shed light upon the evolution of virtuosity in performances of music written for the violin. Zdenko's unique volume is a potpourri of information about the violin that could have been sub-titled "all you ever wanted to know about the violin and more."

   Once idiosyncracies of format are absorbed, the book will delight both professional musicologists and amateurs such as Zdenko himself, who plainly think of the violin, not the organ, as the "King of instruments."




2. There is a definite link between historians & reviewers. Both express their opinions, preferences etc., about the subject matter. The historian researches extensively, often for years, digging out masses of information which he then has to sift through & either include or discard. The reviewer on the other hand can only comment on the finished work, a much narrower spectrum - he doesn't see the "Big Picture" from where the book was born. Bearing this in mind how brave of Mr. Silvela, whoever he is, of Madrid to write & publish his book for the English speaking world where there are probably the greatest number of classical music lovers constantly wishing to learn more about their musical inheritance.
   Once a reader has mastered Mr. Silvela's style of writing, the work becomes fascinating. Some of the content may be provocative.
   However, this is a plus as it raises possibilities for deliberation, conversation even argument thus widening the subject for all students and lovers of the violin. History has always been distorted - any publication which triggers discussion is good.
   My advice is to read the book. Read it a second time when the finer points will materialise. Sombreros off amigos to Senor Silvela for giving us this book.



3. As a violin player of some decades I would like to say how intersted I was to see the rewiew of the reader form Chattanoga and would like to ask him to give me three or four examples of "those books available, which are cheaper" with their titles, authors, publishers and where could I buy them? I have been looking at mazon.com but found only Boyden's which is limited to 1761 and Van der Straeten ...I would be interested to receive this info as I certanly find the book in question to be interestingly enlightening and informative. Nor do I believe that it matters that the author's first lenguage is not English. This takes nothing away form the obvious meaning and indeed interest of this text. This is a great effort and work carried out by not so much of a grammarian but a writer who shows great enthusiam and insight to the fascinating subject.



4. A great work for music lovers, I strongly recommend it. As a professional violinist from the Paris Conservatoire I must say how much impressed have I been to read the New History of Violin Playing. It is fantastic! Bravo mille fois for Mr Silvela. I would like to emphasize several things.
   1) The cohesion and unity of the whole work.
   2) The extension accorded to every violinist exceeds all precedents and make the work the most complete in existence. Many more names you could find in Van der Straeten but it is rather a telephone guide, all names but little history.
   3) The manuscript letters of Kreisler, touching and conclusive, I would buy them all had I the money.
   4)Massart is brought into light with enormous strength, a violinist almost forgotten until Mr Silvela replaced him at his just place. Despite that he was a teacher of my Conservatoire, we new very little about him, Mr Silvela's investigation is impressive.
   5) The unity of the work is such that in the end Anne Sophie Mutter is linked directly to Corelli. that is the proper way to write about history, to show how it evolves, and not to put just one name after the other like in Van der Straeten.
   6) The enciclopaedia. Very original idea, no other history contains such a thing. It is very interesting indeed.
   7) I feel very proud to see how Mr Silvela rates my Conservatoire as the first in the world.
   A must for the library of all professional musicians and music lovers alike. Happy reading!
   Jacqueline.



5. "A new history of the violin" "a complete history..."
   This book is a hoot!! I think it does contain a great deal of information - much of it new or at least collected together in a new way, but the CONSTANT insertion of editorial comments and personal viewpoints makes the reader question even the most mundane of facts and wonder what is being omitted in order to make a point (sounds all too familiar in this day and age.)

   And as one reviewer said, it takes time to get used to the format which is unusual to say the least. I am accustomed to the formatting of text being used to clarify ideas not obscure them as it does here.

   My hat off to the author for attempting to write in English (there is no credit for a translator) and he does a far better job that I could do in a foreign language, but really, some advice from a native English speaker really was necessary here.
   Also, I have never seen a better illustration of why authors use editors to clarify their ideas (and check their spelling) - as a side note, a book on violins and violinists and their teachers should at least be sure to spell "Juilliard" correctly.

   Buy it for its eccentricities, but check out the information before sending it on to your students.

No comments about Mel Bay My Very Best Christmas Violin Edition.

No comments about Sevcik: Violin Studies Op. 1 Part 2 (Violin).

No comments about Stage Fright Its Causes and Cures with Special Reference to Violin Playing.

No comments about Problems of Tone Productions in Violin Playing.

1 comments about The Glory of the Violin.

1. This enjoyable and easy-reading book is the most comprehensive book on violins I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Covers all aspects of the violin in great detail: history, makers, performers, composers and even the construction. Describes the differences of handmade and commercial instruments and also offers excellent insight into the world of bow makers. Must reading for the violin enthusiast and enjoyable for the non-musician alike.

1 comments about Step by Step 1B -- An Introduction to Successful Practice for Violin (Step by Step (Suzuki)).

1. This fascinating series of tutor books is closely based on the Suzuki Violin Method. The teaching material in volumes 1 a and 1 b roughly mirrors the content of the first Suzuki book, with preparatory exercises for learning the tunes.
   I liked the useful advice for teachers and parents, such as the ten most important steps when learning a new piece, the tips on practising with a sample practice plan and the descriptions of some effective technical exercises, which all looked great fun. Parents are involved right from the start, with clear instructions on how they should take part in the learning process.
   The quality of the CD performances is good, with some interesting sound effects and drum rhythms that are sure to engage younger players.
   Children aged five and upwards will enjoy playing this material and many teachers will be interested in this exposition of the Suzuki principles.
   
   JAN DOBBINS

No comments about HOWARD'S SCREECHY VIOLIN (READY READER STORYBOOK, THIRD GRADE).