I’m in the middle of reading Violin Dreams by Arnold Steinhardt, the First violinist with the Guarneri String Quartet. It’s a really interesting book, and is looking like a great source of inspiration for me. But there are some really great quotes in here that I want to share.
G.B. Doni, talking about the instrument’s power, from 1640
In the hand of a skillful player, the violin represents the sweetness of the lute, the suavity of the viol, the majesty of the harp, the force of the trumpet, the vivacity of the fife, the sadness of the flute, the pathetic quality of the cornet; as if every variety, as in the great edifice of the organ, is heard with marvelous artifice.
A verse supposedly found in one of Gaspard Tieffenbrucker’s instruments (one of the possible first makers of the violin)
I lived in the woods, until I was slain by the relentless axe. Whilst I was alive I was silent, but in death my melody is exquisite.
Myra Jagendorf, in a school yearbook message to Arnold Steinhardt.
In a way, it will be your duty to mankind to contribute your music to as many people as possible and to enrich their lives as well as your own.
I really like that last one, I think it sums up a lot of my goals. Music is something that is to be shared, what we do is deep and often rather odd to many people. It is our goal to invite them into our world and share our life and our music with them. It is the arts that will save humanity and keep it going.
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Ben Clapton 