Scan 8
21882.a.10 – How to hold a violin and bow / C. H. Mitchell., 1882
8 lines. Read by computer on 18 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1HOW TO HOLD A VIOLIN AND BOW.
3INTRODUCTION.
5Of all the instruments of music which have been invented by man the violin is the chief. In whatever light we regard it, whether as adapted for solo purposes, as to its use in the orchestra, or as an instrument for chamber-music, it stands pre-eminent. There are other instruments with admirable qualities: the clarionet, for example, gives out a full and rich volume of sound; the flute is at times most appropriate; whilst the weird tones of the oboe, the orchestral bagpipes, can be introduced with happy effect in certain passages; yet these instruments will not bear comparison with the violin. They may be considered as standing to it in a relation similar to that which the colour green bears to the three primaries in a piece of ancient illumination: in short, they serve to produce contrast, and to prevent sameness of tone.
7And not only does the violin take this high position in the world of music, but with all our modern scientific facilities there does not seem to be the slightest probability that it will be surpassed. Notwithstanding its extreme simplicity, or perhaps because of that simplicity, it is the climax of human invention with regard to musical instruments. The author is not touching here upon that vexed question whether the productions of Antonio Stradivario, Giuseppe Guarnerio, and Nicolo Amati can be equalled or excelled, but simply considering the violin on the one hand, and the rest of the musical instruments on the other. The violin merits its position on account of the number of admirable qualities which it unites in itself. Amongst these may be mentioned its wide compass, its capability of expressing legato and staccato passages, and of sustaining notes, the variety of the effects which may be drawn from it, the fact
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.