Scan 579
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1909
14 lines. Read by computer on 27 September 2026. Printed page 501. See the scan on archive.org.
1ON THE TREATMENT OF THE VIOLIN.
3In a Letter from the celebrated Tartini.
5The letter here presented to my readers was translated and published by Dr. Burney, in 1779, under the following title: "A Letter from the late Signor Tartini to Signora Maddalena Lombardini (afterwards Signora Sirmen). Published as an important lesson to performers on the Violin.
7"PADUA, March 5, 1760.
9"MY VERY MUCH ESTEEMED SIGNORA MADDALENA,
11"Finding myself at length disengaged from the weighty business which has so long prevented me from performing my promise to you, a promise which was made with too much sincerity for my want of punctuality not to afflict me, I shall begin the instructions you wish from me by letter; and if I should not explain myself with sufficient clearness, I entreat you to tell me your doubts and difficulties, in writing, which I shall not fail to remove in a future letter.
13"Your principal practice and study should, at present be confined to the use and power of the bow, in order to make yourself entirely mistress in the execution and expression of what-
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