The History of Violin Playing from its Origins to 1761: and its Relationship to the Violin and Violin Music(Clarendon Paperbacks)

David Boyden's classic book, first published in 1965, was the first to deal comprehensively with the history of violin playing against the vast panorama of the violin's evolution and the music written for it. Its principal theme is the manner in which the violin was actually played in past centuries, dealing with such practical questions as bowing disciplines in their national and historical evolution, the performance of staccato, the use of vibrato, the meaning of numerous and esoteric performing directions, the notation and performance of double stops, the rules of scordatura playing, and the sound of the violin in early times. Remaining an invaluable source of reference for the performance of early music, this book is now available for the first time in paperback.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 The formative period, 1520-1600: the origin and development of the early violin, 1520-50; the advent of the true violin and its development to 1600; violin music in the 16th century. Part 2 The development of an idiomatic technique, 1600-1650: the development of the violin and bow in the early 17th century; the new violin idiom - violin music and its uses in different countries, 1600-50; the technique and sound of the violin in the early 17th century; general matters affecting the violin to 1650. Part 3 The national schools of the late seventeenth century - the rise of virtuosity: the development of the violin and bow, 1650-1700; the violin music of the late 17th century; the technique of the violin 1650-1700; general matters affecting the violin, 1650-1700. Part 4 The culmination of the early history of violin playing 1700-1761: the violin and bow of the early 18th century; the violin music of the early 18th century; the technique of the violin, 1700-1761; specific and improvised ornaments - the cadenza; tempo - alterations of rhythm, dynamics, expression; practical hints to modern violinists.

About the Author :
Musicologist and expert on string instruments, now deceased

Review :
`Way back in 1965 Boyden's 'History' was a good buy at eight guineas and at today's values it is an outstanding bargain' Robert Lewin, Strad `IThis book is the authoritative work on the history of violin playing up to the middle of the 18th century. ... essential reading for classical violinists and violin teachers ... it is a tribute to the scholarship of David Boyden that, 25 ... it remains a respected and valuable addition to one's library.' ISM Music Journal