Scan 171
Joseph Guarnerius, his work and his master [Andreas Gisalberti], 1906
14 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 103. See the scan on archive.org.
1or mechanical sequence as being a desideratum in the combination of qualities, the pine may appear less pretty. This inequality of distance between the threads, although having a decreasing average from the border toward the centre, seems to have nothing whatever to do with the difference of quality or strength of the tone.
3Much emphasis has been placed by many critical writers on the assumed superiority of a fine, straight run of thread for the production or accompanying of a fine quality of tone in a violin; some have pinned their faith on the necessity of an entire absence of any irregularity in the course of the thread, insisting that the wood should be cut far from any knots or twist in the fibres, and that these must be very fine, upright, or at right angles with the plane of the instrument.
5Others have asserted their belief in a rather open or wide apart thread, and will refer to instances of remarkably fine tone accompanying this condition or appearance.
7Not a few have attributed the peculiarities of tone belonging to the violins of Joseph Guarnerius to the difference caused by the presence of the cloud or stain, being apparently under the impression that the master always used wood of this particular growth.
9Others have insisted on density with corresponding weight, or sufficient toughness, or that there must be perfect freedom from resin, or that it must have sufficient left in it.
11These are some of the reasons put forward as indicative of the guiding lines which Joseph Guarnerius, and most likely all the leading lights of the art, kept steadfastly within view.
13Very little discernment is necessary for grasping the fact that these writers and critics have fallen into the very common error of arguing upon insufficient premises. In the eager search after facts, small or great, that may be likely to open up knowledge and bring fresh principles to light, the significance of details is apt to be exaggerated, more especially when, as under the circumstances surrounding the consideration of our present
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