Scan 34
The violin : solo playing, soloists and solos, 1905
6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 18. See the scan on archive.org.
1not be disposed to slur the matter and to pass it over in a vague and general way.
3Players of this type might be accused of only being clever players, for exhibiting technique to an abnormal extent. But here I must ask some questions: What is the accusation brought against them? By what standard are they to be judged? Can it be said that the views of so-called classical players are unquestionably so correct as to afford a safe and sure criterion of accuracy or error? I should like to entirely free them from such arrogance as would lead them to make such a claim. On examination, it may be found that their sentiments, to say nothing more of them, are far too indeterminate to be used as a standard. All the difficult and classical concertos can only be performed by players possessing a fine technique. The artist is of no use without it. Adhere strictly to the cultivation of technique. I can refer to violinists of the first rank in both the classical and the brilliant schools of playing who hold the same views as I maintain. I do not wish anybody to confine themselves, in their practice, too much to scales, I only say they must be the basis of playing. The selection of these remarks may be chiefly in conformity with my own peculiar views and feelings, and perhaps viewed too exclusively through the medium of one special branch of study, but again I leave you to judge for yourself.
5It is as obvious as it is undeniable that all wise and solid teaching embraces both sides, and consequently they must be blended together, according to their mutual relations. The abuse of any one branch of study, and the omission or comparative disregard of others, must destroy one's performances as a whole and tend to diminish its influence. At any rate, we can only expect the fulness of technique to be put forth in the full development of tone; and thus defect in one, must have a tendency to produce a corresponding defect in the other. Never permit your thoughts to run too much in one channel, in other words, do not neglect to throw out your minds as much as possible into the amplitude of
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