Customer Reviews

Art of Violin Playing: Book One

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Many teachers say that the art of violin playing is the Bible on how to play violin. I have played violin for many years, and I find this book an invaluable tool. It contains so much detail that often it must be studied to understand all the minute details that Carl Flesch wishes to convey to the reader. If you are just a beginner, I would recommend a different book. The Art of Violin Playing uses somewhat technical descriptions on how to play, which are slightly confusing at times, but never impossible to grasp. I have found myself quoting this book when I teach my students. They will ask why I tell them to play a certain way, and I can show them what a master teacher says to do. I recommend this book very strongly.

This book is rich in detail about playing positions, tone reproduction, and practice techniques. But while there are some pictures showing posture, fingering, etc. in Appendix A, it would be difficult for a student who has never studied music theory or played the violin to truly grasp the concepts.

For intermediate or advanced students, however, this book will reinforce the instructions of teacher-led study and help the student enhance their playing skills.

If you are an adult just starting out with violin play, I suggest you instead pick up The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner.

I have been a violinist for six years. I ordered this book because I wanted to have a fuller understanding about Carl Flesch's Scale System (which is explained in this book, using the key of C major for the example). After looking through the whole book, I consider it a terrific approach to violin playing in general. Mr. Flesch discusses things I had never thought about. His scale system, as discussed in this book, is very methodical, an example of his entire approach to the technical aspect of playing. I have learned so much just from reading this book, and always consult it when I get stuck. To gain a fuller mastery of the violin, you should consider buying this book.

[Obviously, you can't learn the violin from a book. But this can serve as a reference when your teacher doesn't return your call instantly! ;)]

I limited myself to 4 stars because I'm not an expert on violin materials, but I loved this book. When I found this book I was looking for a well written, comprehensive book that covers all of the basic aspects of violin playing. This book does a wonderful job of it. A lot of nuanced aspects of playing are addressed and explained very well.

I hope there are more, possibly better books out there (as this book cannot cover everything there is to learn), but this is the best I've found so far.

The style of writing and the photos are antiquated but the information is timeless and comprehensive. It's not for the meek, rather, it's for the serious student and those wishing to advance to a higher level. The book illustrates and describes the basic mechanics and essential skills needed for violin playing, the rational behind the technique, and how it all fits together. The book is an amazing resource. Expensive, but worth it.

...for violin playing anyway. This book has rewarded all of my efforts to study it, however painstakingly. It is a violinist's textbook, the most scholarly violin book that I know of. Some of the technical descriptions are very subtle; that has been carefully protected by the translation. Flesch's integrity demands attention, preceding trust and patience. I might mention that his students include Ida Haendel, living proof of his principles, and the late Ginette Neveu.

I have found that this is a good book, but it is difficult to have to view the images or drawings in the last pages every time the text mentioned it. My suggestion for the autor is to put the images where they are needed; i.e. in the same page as the text refering to them, or in the next page if not enought space are left to do so.

My rating is 3 and half stars.

What a fascinating reference! The translation has such vivid, strong language. It's exhaustive breadth is tempered by a conversational, sometimes playful tone, making it easy to read and understand.

If only a companion recording were available! Buy it. Underline it. Make comments in its margins.

Dear Seller,

How a wonderful book it is! It is another gold key for me
to open the door of the violin performance art! Extremely
happy!

Gang Jiang
the older brother of Shan Jiang
31 May 2009

I was happy with purchase. I knew what the book was about before I purchased it. It arrived quicker than I expected too. I have not read it all yet as it is a music book.

Regards

David