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Scan 138
Old Violins And Their Makers, 1883
2 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 124. See the scan on archive.org.
1That the violin is supreme as an orchestral instrument goes without saying, and its immense importance in almost all other departments of musical service makes it pre-eminently desirable that its fabrication on correct principles be properly taught, instead of being left, as it has been hitherto, to the isolated efforts of individual ability, not always guided by the necessary scientific knowledge. The foundation of such a school, where artificers would be properly trained, might be made the means of creating a considerable national industry, for there is no good reason to urge in favour of the continuance of the large importation of foreign violins which at present prevails, except that foreign countries produce certain classes of instruments cheaper than we can, and this is more of a reproach than a reason. The value of the materials employed is so slight, in comparison with that of the study and labour spent upon them, as to be scarcely appreciable. The establishment of such a school, while tending to accomplish this aim of making the trade of some little importance nationally, would most certainly elevate it to the dignity of an art-industry, and draw into its ranks a larger proportion of minds capable of understanding and following the principles necessary in its practice, for in the highest ranks of violin makers a combination of attainments has long been admitted to be desirable which is, perhaps, hardly to be looked for in carpenters, cabinet makers, wood carvers, turners, and others from similar industries, who have directed their attention to this interesting art. The artistic faculty is not the only one necessary. A good maker in the present day, besides being able to play the instrument moderately
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