The Violin: An Illustrated History
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Yehudi Menuhin, a modern master of the "bowed, vibrating string,'' combines history and anecdote to create a compelling portrait of the violin and the many people who have fallen under its spell. Menuhin introduces legendary historical figures—from the great violin makers Guarneri and Stradiveri, to composers and performers like Corelli, Vivaldi, Paganini, and Tchaikovsky and modern-day talents like Sir Edward Elgar, Georges Enesco, and Stephane Grapelli. Lavishly illustrated with fine art and photographs, this book examines the voice of the violin through a variety of musical genres, from Middle Eastern and European ethnic music to classical music and jazz. Color and black-and-white images. Library Journal The very plain title of this luminous coffee-table volume does not begin to prepare the reader for the manifold treasures inside. The magnificent reproductions of works of art and historic photos alone would justify the purchase price, but master violinist Menuhin's prose-fluid, personal, and engaging-is a revelation. For many years a veritable global ambassador for music, Menuhin brings an unusually broad perspective to his subject. His knowledge of the Western tradition is voluminous, but his inclusion of learned commentary on jazz, folk, and non-Western music for the violin is particularly welcome. Menuhin also offers perceptive thoughts on the nature of listening-distilled from his many multicultural engagements-and a Zen-like reflection on emptiness as a prerequisite to communication. Though by no means a scholarly tome-there is no bibliography, index, or footnotes-this work will still be of great value to professional musicians and amateurs alike. Highly recommended.-Larry A. Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, Pa.
Prelude 7The Object That Creates the Sound 11From Emptiness to Vibration 43The Violin Maker 71The Violin Player 99The Violin Teacher 147The Violin Composer 187Partners 225Listening 251Violins of the World 265Epilogue 293
