The Violin and Viola History, Structure, Techniques

by Nelson, Sheila M.

• ISBN13: 9780486428536
• ISBN10: 0486428532
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-06-20
• Publisher: Dover Publications

Summary

"[The book] should appeal greatly to the string performer, student or teacher, and to the enthusiast of music history."--Choice. "Nelson's book should be read by every player and teacher of violin and viola ... Her chapter "Education for Survival" must be singled out for special praise, for it provides a short but comprehensive discussion of the manner in which string teaching ought to proceed but all too seldom does."--Library Journal. Comprehensive view of the violin and viola by a professional violinist, teacher, and author details the historical development and changing structure of the two instruments. Text covers the contributions of Stradivarius and the legendary Cremona school of makers; techniques and improvements advocated by such celebrated teachers as Geminiani, Tartini, and Leopold Mozart; the great schools of players--from Corelli to Paganini; and the demands imposed by the growth of the nineteenth-century orchestra. Includes music examples and 11 diagrams. 24 halftones.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Dover Edition	v
Introduction	ix
Acknowledgements	xi
Note on Pitch	xii
List of Plates	xiii
1. The Braccio Family: 1500-1600	1	(15)
2. Founders of the Violin Tradition: 1600-50	16	(13)
3. The First Virtuosi : 1650-1700	29	(22)
4. Violin Structure and Violin-Makers: 1650-1750	51	(21)
5. The String-based Orchestra : 1700-50	72	(38)
6. The Rise of the String Quartet : 1750-1800	110	(25)
7. The Unrivalled Virtuoso: 1800-50	135	(22)
8. The Orchestral Virtuoso: 1850-1900	157	(27)
9. The Viola Virtuoso. Chances of Survival in the 20th Century	184	(21)
10. Education for Survival	205	(30)
11. String Acoustics	235	(22)
Bibliography	257	(8)
Index	265