Sheila M. Nelson. "Instruments of the Orchestra: The Violin and Viola". History / Instruction hardcover (1972)

"Instruments of the Orchestra: The Violin and Viola" by Sheila M. Nelson, published by Benn/Norton, hardcover (1972), England, 277 pages. Printed in Great Britain by Ernest Benn Limited. Twenty-four black and white plates.

Ms. Nelson provides a historical overview of the development of the violin and viola, especially the roots of the instruments in late Renaissance Italy. "She discusses their relationship with the viol family; the changing structure of the violin and the work of the Cremona school of makers and Stradivarius; the techniques advocated and improvements achieved by such celebrated teachers as Geminiani, Tartini, and Leopold Mozart; the great schools of players from Corelli and Vivaldi to Paginini; and the increased demands made by the 19th-century orchestra…."

Includes chapters on "teaching and acoustics that discuss the physical and psychological aspects of violin and viola playing, the importance of the right kind of tuition, and the vicious circle of incompetence which can arise from poor teaching." The book also includes much information on "the scientific properties of the vibrating string; harmonic series; harmonics; rosin, bowing and pizzicato; and tone color, including partials, vibrato, mutes, intonation and wolf-notes."
 
Height is 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm.), 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm.) width. The book is in fine condition though the dust jacket is a little worn with foxing throughout. Very Good + Condition.

Item # 745
 
$45.00