The Art of Playing on the Violin. [Facsimile of 1751 edition].

by Francesco Geminiani, David D. Boyden (Editor), Travis & Emery (Editor)

Francesco The art of playing on the containing all the rules necessary to attain to a perfection on that instrument, with great variety of compositions which will also be very useful to those who study the violoncello, Harpsichord etc. Contains 24 examples & 12 compositions. Facsimile of the 1751 edition.

80 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1952

Reviews

[Brendan O'Donnell]

Geminiani's treatise is of course of particular help to baroque violin players. He describes in some detail the simple physical aspects of holding both the violin and bow, which contrast greatly with the modern methods. The treatise continues into much more advanced territory, including an important section on ornamentation that would be of interest to any early music enthusiast or specialist. The actual written information makes up only a few pages, though, the rest devoted to various studies and pieces for the development of the violinist.

Given the small amount of information that crosses over to all instruments, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone other than period violinists, or those who want to learn some period techniques. There is information relevant to others, but it makes up too small a portion of the book; it would be better to find another, similar treatise aimed mor at your own specialisation.