The Secrets of Stradivari


Book Description




Violin Varnish


Book Description

After more than eight years of extensive research on the varnish used by the Italian Violin Makers from 1550 to 1750 A. D., it has not been possible to corroborate the results in the chemical laboratory. This is due entirely to the unavailability of samples of the varnish for confirmatory analysis. Violins made by the Italian masters of this period are so valuable and so scarce that a small sample of the varnish has not been procurable for experimental purposes. Therefore, synthesis must precede analysis . . . . and with no assistance from the latter. This, then, will explain the sub-title of this book as: "A Plausible Re-creation of the Varnish Used by the Italian Makers Between the Years 1550 and 1750 A. D." However, the results of this investigation are so logical and so deeply supported by a vast amount of convincing evidence, that publication of the book is in order. First, possibly the findings will be confirmed, or otherwise, by investigators who may be more fortunate in having access to material from authentic violins made by the old masters. Confirmatory chemical tests will be suggested; it should be comparatively simple, especially through modern micro-analytical methods, to determine the presence of certain constituents in the varnish. The subject matter of this book will of necessity become technical, especially when the theoretical aspects are considered. It is realized that not everyone who will be interested in the rediscovery of the old Italian varnish will also be interested in the scientific deductions and conclusions. For this reason, a chapter will be included in which the preparation of the materials from which the varnish is made, the formulation of the varnish and its application will be reduced to the simplest terms. The old masters who lived several hundred years ago and who possessed none of the advantages of modern technology also used only the simplest technique in varnishing and finishing their violins.




Scale Studies


Book Description

Jan H���_mal�_ (1844-1915) was an influential Czech violinist and teacher, associated with Moscow Conservatory for 46 years. These are his progressive scale studies in 10 sections.




The Violin Times


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Violin For Dummies


Book Description

Take a (violin) bow and let your inner musician shine! You don’t have to be a genius to start fiddling around! Violin For Dummies helps budding violinists of all ages begin to play. If you’ve never read a note of music, this book will show you how to turn those little black dots into beautiful notes. Start slow as you learn how to hold the instrument, use the bow, finger notes, and play in tune. Watch yourself blossom into a musician with tips on technique and style. When you’re ready to go further, this book will help you find the people and resources that can help you get just a little closer to virtuoso! Your own private lessons are right inside this book, with the included online video and audio instruction, plus recordings that will help you develop your “ear.” This book takes the guesswork out of learning an instrument, so you’ll be ready to join the band when the time comes! Choose a violin and learn the basics of holding the instrument and playing notes Start reading music with this fast-and-easy introduction to musical notation Improve your musicianship and start to play in groups Explore different music styles and legendary violin composers The violin is a beautiful thing—adding melody everywhere from orchestras to folk and pop tunes. With Violin For Dummies, you can make the music your own, even if you’re a total music beginner.







Violin-Making


Book Description

This classic guide offers an accessible initiation into the mysteries of violin-making. Charming in its style and cultivated in its research, it covers every detail of the process and includes a fascinating history of the instrument. More than 200 diagrams, engravings, and photographs complement the text.




Choice


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The Violin Conspiracy


Book Description

GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK! • Ray McMillian is a Black classical musician on the rise—undeterred by the pressure and prejudice of the classical music world—when a shocking theft sends him on a desperate quest to recover his great-great-grandfather’s heirloom violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world. “I loved The Violin Conspiracy for exactly the same reasons I loved The Queen’s Gambit: a surprising, beautifully rendered underdog hero I cared about deeply and a fascinating, cutthroat world I knew nothing about—in this case, classical music.” —Chris Bohjalian, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and Hour of the Witch Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music. When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he's lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.




French Classics - Boxed Set: 100+ Novels, Short Stories, Poems, Plays & Philosophical Books


Book Description

The 'French Classics - Boxed Set: 100+ Novels, Short Stories, Poems, Plays & Philosophical Books' offers an unparalleled journey through the richness of French literary tradition, sweeping across genres from the vivid realism of Émile Zola to the romantic adventures of Alexandre Dumas, and the profound philosophical discussions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This anthology encapsulates the evolution of French literature, showcasing its ability to reflect and shape societal changes and individual experiences. It invites readers to explore seminal works that have defined and transcended their times, including revolutionary plays, poignant poems, and transformative philosophical texts. The thematic diversity and stylistic innovations present in this collection serve as a testament to the enduring legacy and versatility of French literary crafts. The contributing authors and editors, pillars of French literature, bring to this collection a range of perspectives shaped by their distinct historical contexts, personal experiences, and cultural backgrounds. From the Enlightenment thoughts of Voltaire to the existential complexity of Marcel Proust's narrative, each contributor has played a pivotal role in literary movements that span from the Renaissance to modernism. Their collective works offer a dynamic exploration of human nature, societal norms, and the pursuit of truth, underscoring the anthology's relevance to both contemporary and historical social discourses. For scholars, students, and aficionados of literature, 'French Classics - Boxed Set' presents an invaluable opportunity to engage with the comprehensive scope of French literary genius. It not only enhances the readers appreciation for the depth and breadth of French literature but also encourages a nuanced understanding of the cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic dialogues that have enriched the global literary landscape. This collection is an essential addition to any library, promising countless hours of enjoyment and scholarly inquiry.