The Encyclopedia of the Violin was first published in 1925 as a comprehensive reference of the history and evolution of the violin. It is still the number one source for all types of violin information, even after all these years. The book is written by Swiss-born Alberto Bachmann, himself a concert violinist and composer. Bachmann also wrote 1906's Le Violon, 1913's Les Grands Violinistes du Passe, and 1914's Gymnastique a l’Usage des Violinistes prior to publishing this book in 1925.
The book covers a vast array of details and can fill out any music lover's library. You can find information on anything from history and origin of the violin to playing style to music theory. These and many other subjects are covered in a very comprehensive manner. Read all at once, it may be rather overwhelming with the information overload, but it is invaluable as a desk reference. This is a great book for anyone who plays the violin, instrument makers, and historians.
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. The Encyclopedia of the Violin is a very well-written, interesting, and often nostalgic look back at the history of the violin and its musicians. It is easily the largest collection of violin-related information in one place and contains photographs dating back to 1925. Through these rare photos, the reader can get an idea of what the instruments and bows looked like at the time.
The book also includes detailed accounts of how to assemble the instruments themselves. The instructions are easy enough to follow that anyone who is the slightest bit handy will be able to fashion their own violin from scratch. Yet another section is devoted to the discussion of violin playing techniques, such as advising the reader on how to play difficult passages from the violin literature section. You can also find a large list of violinists of the time, with the author's personal insight into each musician's playing style. There is biographical information listed for each of the violinists in the book. One of the greatest violinists ever, Eugene Ysaye, wrote the introduction, capping off this book as a compendium of world-class musicians. Some younger readers may not understand the significance of some of the material and concepts in the book, but they are an excellent historical reference point to compare with modern music theory and technique.
The Encyclopedia of the Violin is so massive and contains so much detailed information that it could easily have been split up into several volumes. The fact that it has not just makes it a more convenient reference. It may be too difficult to lug the book around in your backpack, but it is an excellent resource to have in your music library at home.
Originally posted 2008-10-31 05:12:32. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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