Books › An Encyclopedia of the Violin, 1925 › scan 241
Scan 241
An Encyclopedia of the Violin, 1925
20 lines. Read by computer on 28 September 2026. Printed page 213. See the scan on archive.org.
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2The very decisive beginning should be presented in the most sustained fashion, and the chords played with great breadth.
4In order to obtain a big tone it is advisable to play the chords long drawn out, and with the up-bow. In this matter, incidentally, the author ventures to disagree with Joachim, who thought that the rhythm of the "Chaconne" was rendered too heavy by a strong third beat. The character of the Bach "Chaconne" is austere to the highest degree, and does not suggest in any way, shape or form a composition (in vogue during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries) written for the dance.
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7Since the melody must be sustained, the chords should be broken in such wise as to give all the importance it may rightfully claim to the first theme, an interpretation preferred by all violinists who are genuine musicians. Nevertheless, any crassness or roughness in the enunciation of the chords should be avoided, and they should be given as much pith and tonal marrow as possible.
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10The final sixteenth note of the first measure, and the first beat of the second measure must be played without abruptness, and in order to follow the text of the original as closely as possible, the quarter note on the first beat of the eighth measure should be sustained.
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13We have here the beginning of an improvisation which does not conclude until the eighth period is reached. The tempo should be slightly slackened and the whole bow should be used. After the fifth measure of this period, the tone should be veiled.
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16This passage is often played in too rough a manner; the détaché notes of the first three measures should not be played abruptly; nor should they be enunciated like blows with a hammer; but they should be delivered in a broad and impressive manner.
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19This passage should be played with a touch of restless feeling; while taking care not to give free rein to a rubato which, on the contrary, should be carefully avoided.
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