Reading “Violin Mastery”

For both colleagues and students, I suggest a quick read. The 1919 publication entitled “Violin Mastery” by Frederick Martens is a fascinating look at a bygone day. Interviews with Heifetz, Kreisler, Seidel, Elman, Auer, Powell, Thibaud, Elman and others allow violinists to peer into an era and its importances. Discussions about the “new” wire E string, whether to use a chin rest or not, repertoire and teaching are mentioned in 2 – 4 page narratives. Of course, it is dated, but yet occasionally one finds a gem of advice. A easy quick read that is republished by Dover. Certainly an artifact of a different society.