The Compleat Violinist: Thoughts, Exercises, Reflections of an Itinerant Violinist [Hardcover]

Yehudi Menuhin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this indulgent hodgepodge, renowned violinist Menuhin describes the life of the itinerant musician, whom he puns "the fiddler on the hoof." Lofty ruminations ("What is there in life, after all, unless every act, every greeting, every dialogue, every cooperative effort in street and factory recognises that human life has a value and that value can be expressed in art?") are juxtaposed with exercises for the toes, arches and the like. The plodding prose meanders from discourses on why Menuhin chose the violin over piano and cello, and reflections on Mozart, Beethoven and other great composers, to what the maestro eats, wears, packs in his violin case, where he sleeps and what he considers an ideal vacation. Sprinkled throughout this slim but pricey volume are his exercises, illustrated with photos. Many are of the commonsensical stretching, breathing and relaxation variety, which are suitable for the traveling salesman as well as musician; most helpful for aspiring maestros are the series of exercises designed for the development of technique.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

The subtitle of this disarming, endearing book describes it exactly. Menuhin shares his philosophy and preparation for performing and living in gentle, undogmatic fashion and with humor. His thoughts range from metaphysics to diet, from composers to technique, from travel to critics to self-knowledge. Interspersed are descriptions of exercises he developed for his own use as musician and violinist, copiously and clearly illustrated. While this book is addressed (though without so stating) to the young violinist, there is much for any musician here, and much for the general reader. Well and simply written, with attractive layout, though the paper and cover are of cheap quality. Highly recommended. Philippa Kiraly, Cleveland
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Marboro Books (April 1986)
• ISBN-10: 9999701132
• ISBN-13: 978-9999701136
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,961,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting book, without a doubt!, May 30, 2003

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gxd245 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Compleat Violinist: Thoughts, Exercises, Reflections of an Itinerant Violinist (Hardcover)

Actually, when I bought this book, I was looking for thorough guidance on violin exercices for the daily practice, and therefore "The Compleat Violinist" could not fully satisfy me, but, nevertheless, it is certainly a superb and enriching piece of literature.