Victoria O’Campo From Classical Virtuosity to Modern Innovation The violin has remained one of the most versatile instruments in Western music for over four centuries. During the nineteenth century, virtuosos such as Niccolò Paganini expanded the technical possibilities of the instrument through groundbreaking compositions and performances. His innovations inspired generations of violinists and composers, establishing…
Violin Duo: Two is A Company The six canonic sonatas were written to be played by two flutes or two violins. Each sonata contains three movements, all to be played in strict canon where the second player begins to play the exact same part when the first player reaches the spot marked with the sign…
Ernest Chausson (1855-1899), “Poème, Op.25” Chausson was a French composer whose promising career was cut short by his early death at the age of 44. After completing his law study, he went to study composition at the Paris Conservatoire with Massenet and Franck. He worked at the Société Nationale de Musique, an organization that promotes…
The violin is one of the most versatile instruments in the world, capable of expressing a wide range of musical styles. Broadly speaking, violinists can be grouped into two categories: classical violinists and contemporary violinists. While both share the same instrument, their training, performance practices, and musical goals often differ. Understanding these differences offers insight…
Why Learn and Practice Etudes? Etudes and studies are useful tools to build good techniques. Students who practice a wide range of etudes will find it easier to play their pieces. The reason for it is that these exercises contain many similar writings and motives found in the standard repertoire. On the contrary, the learning…
Tania G. French If you think music doesn’t affect you, you’ll be changing your tune after reading this. This is a true story of a recent study from Leicester University in England. You’re off to the supermarket and decide to stop by some shelves offering French and German wine. You make up your mind to…
They Shall Have Music They Shall Have Music was a 1939 film that featured Jascha Heifetz as… Jascha Heifetz! It was a classic black-and-white film that advocates music education for the poor. The story revolves around Frankie, a young street bully who has some talent in music. After he watched a Heifetz’s concert, he fell…
The violin is a remarkably versatile instrument that has captivated audiences since its rise to prominence in 17th-century Italy, coinciding with the advent of instrumental music as an independent genre. Pioneering works by composers such as Arcangelo Corelli marked a turning point, cementing the violin’s irreplaceable role in solo, chamber, and orchestral music. However, the…