The Cambridge Companion to the Violin

by Robin Stowell (Editor)

The Cambridge Companion to the Violin offers students, performers and scholars a fascinating and composite survey of the history and repertory of the instrument from its origins to the present day. The volume comprises fifteen essays, written by a team of ten specialists, and is intended to develop the violin's historical perspective in breadth from every relevant angle. The main subjects discussed include the instrument's structure and development; its fundamental accoustical properties; principal exponents; technique and teaching methods; solo and ensemble repertory; pedagogical literature; traditions in folk music and jazz; and aspects of historical performing practice. The text is supported by numerous illustrations and diagrams as well as music examples, a useful appendix, glossary of technical terms and an extensive bibliography.

Genres: Music

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 1992

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very readable and quite informative, although readers who are not violinists might find the discussions of technique and performance practice a little tedious. It is a great examination of the instrument, its history, and its place in all sorts of music. I especially appreciated the thorough discussions of the repertoire and the chapters about the use of the violin outside the classical tradition and in jazz.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers chapters on violin-making, playing techniques over time, and such standard forms of repertoire as the sonata, the concerto, variations, shorter genre pieces, and transcriptions. Other chapters explore pedagogy and national traditions from around the world. The language can be a bit technical and academic, but the book is a wealth of information and is a good resource for any serious violinist or fiddler.

[Ceena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book that got me hooked into the physics of the violin at a young age. Well written and covers a wide scope of topics