Succinct and clear, this long-awaited republication offers an exposition of the essential features of the system of technical violin instruction pursued by Joseph Joachim (1831-1907). The greatest violinist and teacher of his era, Joachim served as instructor to author Karl Courvoisier. Upon reviewing this book, Joachim wrote to Courvoisier, "I am rejoiced to learn from it how faithfully you have heeded my instructions, how firmly you are grounded on my teachings, and how skillfully you apply the results of your own experience as teacher."
The two-part presentation begins with surveys of posture and the manner of holding the violin, positions of the arm and hand, positions and action of the fingers, and intonation. The second part discusses how to hold the bow, the position of the bow on the strings, and bowing techniques. Ten helpful illustrations complement this text, which will prove valuable to all violin players — teachers, students, and professionals alike.