Violin Forum/Message Board

[Stradsman]

Hi Everyone! I'm Alan, a big violin fan. I don't play it that well but I really love it, the noble sound and the rich tone.

I'm looking forward to participating in this forum! I'm sure I'm gonna learn a lot from you guys!
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"No one should be allowed to play the violin until he has mastered it."
Jim Fiebig

[Lemuel]

Hi Alan,

Welcome to the forum. Yes, I can understand your appreciation for the lovely sound of a violin.

Are you starting to learn how to play? Several people joining this forum have recently started the violin - of particular is member "Ode to Tragedy". I hope you can exchange notes - he seems to be advancing quickly.

I wish you best of success.

[Stradsman]

Thank you Lemuel!

I have studied conducting, theory, composition in college, but haven't been consistent in playing the violin. This instrument doesn't like amateurs, so I've been modestly limiting my efforts... but love is stronger than reason!

I like this forum. I think violinists should join here. I don't know any other instrument that deserves as much discussion as the violin does.
_________________
"No one should be allowed to play the violin until he has mastered it."
Jim Fiebig

[Benedict White]

Not true! The instrument has no objection to amateurs, it's just that if you are going to play it, play it like you mean to!

[Stradsman]

There's nothing like the weak, uncertain violin tones coming from the fingers of amateur or semi-professional musicians. Most pianists who are reasonably familiar with their instrument sound good enough...

If you still don't agree, look up a Hilary Hahn performance on YouTube and compare it to some amateur video posted there.
_________________
"No one should be allowed to play the violin until he has mastered it."
Jim Fiebig

[Lemuel]

I understand your sentiments.

However, even great violinists are criticized relentlessly by non-professionals and professionals alike. The questions is: At what point does amateur become professional? Is it by the standards of a particular professional organization? Or is it by the standards of ordinary listeners.

When it comes to playing violins, it is technical and artistic.

Have you seen recent articles in the Strad and other media about André Rieu - how he is making waves in the entertainment industry? Many times, I can barely hear his violin because of all the other music in the orchestra. However millions are loving it.

"Love is stronger than reason...." Hmmmm....

[Benedict White]

Stradsman, if you bow like you mean to bow, (using the right technique) you will learn quickly. If you fear it, you won't. It is as simple as that.

[Stradsman]

André Rieu may be popular, but his name never comes up when serious music is discussed. He fits more closely with the likes of Yani. And the existence of such musicians is no surprise. Mediocrity is everywhere. In politics you have Sarah Palin. In philosophy you have William Lane Craig. In TV journalism you have Sean Hannity... These people don't obscure the facts for those who are really interested in them.

Obviously, I don't have a strong case to make. My comments are half-true, half tongue-in-cheek. This much is certain though: If you need to work with a group of musicians playing all kinds of instruments and you can only choose one professional musician, you'd be wise to choose a pro violinist...
_________________
"No one should be allowed to play the violin until he has mastered it."
Jim Fiebig

[Stradsman]

[Stradsman]

Somebody wasn't happy about my comment on Sarah Palin and decided to PM me about it. There's a reason why this is called a forum. Write it all in here, if you have something in mind. I don't have much time for private discussions, especially with those who stand up for incompetent politicians in the most arrogant way.
_________________
"No one should be allowed to play the violin until he has mastered it."
Jim Fiebig