Scan 36
The violin : solo playing, soloists and solos, 1905
6 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 20. See the scan on archive.org.
1subject, that the neglect of scales is injurious. Solid principle is the essential thing. If you neglect it, playing will degenerate into inaccurate intonation, indifference, carelessness, and even slovenliness. This solid principle I am persistently talking about, ought to exist and be kept alive and active in the minds of all violinists. Plant it in firmly—esteem and value it—it will animate you in your studies—it will materially contribute in giving life, energy and soundness to your playing. But in all your practising never sacrifice tone. That must always be there; quick or slow, difficult or easy passages, the tone must always be good. It must not only be heard, but felt. But this, I apprehend, is not always sufficiently attended to; here, therefore, defect must exist; and it will be a proof of your wisdom to look after it carefully, according to its real importance and to correct whatever you find to be wrong.
3Do as I suggest and rapid improvement is positive. Whatever may be the dreams and aspirations of youthful students' minds, the importance, excellence, advantage and utility of scales are more clearly seen and strongly felt and duly appreciated by all reflecting persons as they advance in life and become better educated. Do not rush into extremes. Acknowledge your mistakes and defects. Reject every error, correct every mistake, supply every defect, listen to advice, and your playing ought to excite the highest admiration in time to come.
5Now to attain this end, due attention must be paid to your physical and mental culture and your general health. It is as imperative as anything else. Good health opens the senses and allows the intellect to expand. It stimulates your playing. Practise four hours every day. Let it be regular, though, or it will not answer its purpose. Such regularity will be a stinging reproach, a severe condemnation, to the scores of slothful students who prefer their billiards and their general pleasures before their daily studies; never taking a single opportunity of hearing the best players, and oftentimes disregard their
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.