Scan 39
Violin master works and their interpretation, 1925
21 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1I always advise my pupils never to play the "Ciaconna" at the beginning of a recital or concert, but to introduce it in the middle of the programme, so that it will be possible for the violin—or rather the strings—to adapt themselves to the temperature of the hall in question.
3Neither at the beginning of the work nor in the course of the Variations do we find a tempo indicated. I would suggest the tempo Grave for the Theme itself. With regard to the Variations, I already have stated that each Variation should be given its individual character in performance, the more so since the movements of all the Bach Sonatas are characteristic pieces, musically speaking. I might add that this result must be secured by hardly noticeable modifications in tempo and by means of the most varied tone-colorings. The chords at the beginning of the "Ciaconna" must not be played as we often hear them played, in a divided manner. For instance:
5(Written) (Incorrect execution)
6(no line here) one of two readings
8but they must be played firmly, with a full tone, thus:
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11(Correct execution)
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14yet without any scratchy, rosiny tonal by-product!
16With regard to the tempo and the tone-color, in general, they remain unchanged until the letter B* is reached, at which point the Second Variation begins, a Variation that should be played with gentle sentiment, expressivo, and a shade more quietly as regards tempo.
18From letters D and E on the interpretation should assume a decidedly more energetic character, up to the letter F, at which point a somewhat quieter tempo once more should be observed. At letter G a most energetic forte, in strict time,
20* The letters here cited are those given in my complete edition of Bach's "Six Sonatas for Solo Violin," published by Carl Fischer, Inc., New York.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.