THERE HAS ALWAYS been much interest in the playing of the early 20th century violin masters. Though such interest peaked at a time when a greater part of the population enjoyed classical music through live and recorded formats such as LP’s and the radio, there has been a renewed interest that has built steadily over the past 25 years. I often poll my fellow violinists as to what they admire most about violinists such as Jasha Heifitz, Fritz Kreisler, Nathan Milstein, or Yehudi Menuhin. Though these musicians and countless others possessed their own idiosyncratic styles, one feature common to most of them was their ease of playing. They stood with such stillness: faces relaxed to the point of seeming disinterest; a left hand that allowed for an ever-present vibrato, lightning quick finger action, and agile shifts; and full use of a bow that could either stick like glue or fly on and off whether at the tip, frog, or somewhere in between.

In this concise, well-crafted book, Jon Poupore examines, explains, and illustrates many of the techniques used by legendary violinists.  Using the classic method of a fictional interview with the man who taught these techniques to the greats, as well as providing graphic illustrations, Mr. Poupore  has put these techniques  into the hands of every violinist.

JON POUPORE resides in Baltimore where he is a free-lance violinist, violist, and counter-tenor.  He also enjoys baroque performance practice on authentic instruments.   He is a native Minnesotan who started viola at 17 and violin at 27.   He holds a Master's Degree in viola performance from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  He graciously invites responses from readers of HOW THEY REALLY PLAYED and can be reached at jon.poupore@gmail.com.

Available on Request. E-mail Here


PDF File $5.95

  These are in Letter (8 1/2in  x 11in)/A4 (210mm x 297mm).

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