jan 1, 1832 - VIOLINSCHULE L. Spohr

Description:

" The Violin rests with the lower edge of the back on the left collar-bone, and is held fast by pressing the chin on the Fiddleholder.* The left shoulder, for the support of the lower part of the Violin, is moved a little forward, giving it thereby an inclination towards the right side—in an angle of 25 to 30 degrees : (See Plate C, Fig. I.) The neck of the Violin rests between the thumb and the fore finger of the left hand—held gently over the first joint of the thumb and at the third joint of the. fore finger, so that it cannot sink down to the depth of the division between the finger and thumb : (See the left hand, Fig. II, Plate C.) That part of the hand where the little finger is, should be brought near the finger-board as much as possible, in order that this shorter finger, like the others with bent joints, may also fall perpendicularly on the strings. The ball and palm of the hand must, however, remain further from
the lower part of the neck. The elbow of the left arm is drawn inwards under the middle of the Violin ; but let it not touch the body, because it would sink the Violin too much towards the neck. (See Plate C, Fig. II.)
The bow is held with all the fingers of the right hand—(See Plate C, Fig. Ill and IV, and the right
hand of Fig. II.) The thumb is bent with the point against the stick (or rod) of the bow, close to the
nut, and opposite the middle finger. Clasp the stick with the fore and middle finger, so as to rest it in the hollow of the first joint.
The third and fourth fingers are placed loosely on the stick, and the points of the four fingers are joined without leaving any vacant space. The hand ought to have an elegant curved form, to avoid showing the knuckles. (See Plate C, Fig. II and IV.)
Next, place the upper part of the bow with the hair on the strings, at the distance of an inch from the bridge, and incline the stick a little towards the fingerboard. The wrist must be held high 5 the elbow, however, low, and as close to the body as possible. The position should be noble and free facing the desk—the eye looking over the bridge—the left hand being opposite to the music page. (See Plate B.)."

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