An Encyclopedia Of The Violin (Da Capo Press Paperback) [Facsimile] [Paperback]

Alberto Bachmann (Author)

Book Description

Series: Da Capo Press Paperback | Publication Date: January 22, 1975

This encyclopedia is the diverse lexicographic work available in the English language and provides a treasure trove of information on the violin—its technique, its history, and its place in music. Beginning with the 1880’s, the work traces the evolution of violin technique, examines its construction and manufacture, lists makers in America and Europe, offers a biographical section on chamber music ensembles with rare photographs, and presents a glossary of music and musical terms. This Da Capo paperback features a new preface by noted concert violinist, Stuart Canin. This standard handbook for professional musicians and students will interest all those with a love for music.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Swiss-born Alberto Bachmann was a concert violinist and composer whose enthusiasm for the instrument compelled him to write about it. He wrote Le Violon in 1906, Les Grands Violinistes du Passé in 1913, Gymnastique à l’Usage des Violinistes in 1914, and culminated his work as a writer in 1925 with the publication of this encyclopedia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 488 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; Facsimile of 1925 ed edition (January 22, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306800047
• ISBN-13: 978-0306800047
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,124,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unique window into a bygone era, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: An Encyclopedia Of The Violin (Da Capo Press Paperback) (Paperback)

Perhaps one of the broadest accounts of the violin ever written, An Encyclopedia of the Violin is a well-written, fascinating, and at times nostalgic account of violinmakers, performers, violin literature, and more. This is truly an epic and groundbreaking book that covers more information than one would expect from a volume several times larger. Published in 1925, it contains rare photographs of distinguished violins and bows, as well as well as vivid descriptions of intricate details of these instruments, as well as a guide on how make them! Another section is devoted to violin technique, including advice on how to play difficult passages from the violin literature. In addition, there is also a massive dictionary of violinists, containing the author's often insightful analysis into the style of the performers, and also includes their biographical information. An Encyclopedia of the Violin is so all encompassing that it could easily be split up into several fine books-Great European Violins and Their Makers, Guide to Violin and Bow Making, The Art of Violin Playing and Teaching, and Violin Performance from 1800-1925 are just a few of the hypothetical titles that the reader can create exclusively using the material in this unique and monumental book. To top it off, the introduction was written by the famous Belgian violinist Eugene Ysaye, one of the greatest players of all time, and the author's idol as a performer. While some of the material and ideas in An Encyclopedia of the Violin may seem dated to the modern reader, there is much that is timeless and invaluable and will appeal to professional violinists or anybody else that appreciates the sound and beauty of the violin.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for the serious violin enthusiast, February 7, 2005

By 

John R. Stanley "Jack Stanley" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Encyclopedia Of The Violin (Da Capo Press Paperback) (Paperback)

This book covers a great range, and is a great addition to any library. From the origins of the instrument to caretaking to technique to music theory and history, it is all here. Do not pass up the chance to own this book, especially at the prices here!!!
Jack Stanley

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Little Too Much..., August 6, 2008

By 

M. Johnson (Harrold, SD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Encyclopedia of the Violin (Dover Books on Music) (Paperback)

...and a bit overwhelming. Yes, this could (and perhaps should) have been broken into several books, but the most important thing it offers now is historical perspective.

This is an absolute summary of the subject, in Victorian style (though not published until 1925). Seeing all of these articles together helps the reader understand the author's expertise, and perhaps his limits.

Anyone interested in any aspect of the violin will find it here, but for best results, compare with newer works. New research may further illuminate Bachmann's points. Of course, he may also rebuke modern authors who offer their 'certainties' without historical context.

In short: good for violinists, instrument makers, and historians.